PS 3523 
■ E31S 
D6 

I 1905 

Copy 1 



ra 


Thorne 


An Acting Edition as Dramatized from 
the Famous Novel, by ) 

E. Laurence Lee.' \ 


Property of C. S. Sullivan. 


\ 




Copyright/, 1905, by C. S. Sullivan. 


















ACT I. 


r \ v 
* \CI V v 

The Lodge and Gates to Earl Manor. (Home of Stephen 
and Dora Thorne. The proposal, or an insult? ‘-As 
Ye Sow.” 

Time—Early Summer. 

Place—Earlscourt By the Sea, England. 

AT RISE. 

Stephen.—(Enters from Cottage). Strangs notions the 
wimmen folks to conjur. Git a basin says my Dora, so 
Young Lord Ronald may wash his ’ands! (Laughs). Young 
Lord Ronal! Aye the Next Earl in line, a pickin’ straw¬ 
berries, like a school boy. (Laughs.) Aye on ’is ’ands an’ 
knees, along side o’ my Dora,, a laughin’ an’ a talkin’ like 
a commoner, (Sobers.) A fine lad that young Ronald. A 
fine lad from a fine Lord and Ladtf, But me thinks ’his 
Fayther ’ud be sore distressed at sight ’o im now. Aye well! 
Young ’un’s ’ull be young ’uns, spite o’ us ole’ ’uns. (Going 
up to Gate L.) 

Constance.—(Enters R.from Behind Hedge Row to Gate L. 
She carries Boquet of flowers.) (She laughs merrily.) Good 
Morning, Stephen Thorne, are you well this beautiful 
morning? 

Stephen.—Quite, I thank ’ee Miss Connie, an’ all the 
better since ye condescend to notice an’ ole servant o’ 
Earlscourt. (Bowing low.) ’Lud Love yer’ pretty ’ee’s. 

Constance_How long have you been Lodge Keeper at 

Earlscourt Daddy Thorne? 

Stephen.—Man and boy, these fourty year. Miss Connie, 
thanks to yer Noble Fayther an’ ’is Fayther before ’um. 

Constance.—Forty years? (Stephen nods head.) My 
That’s a long time, is’nt it? 

Stephen_Nearly a life time Miss! But why do ye ask? 

Constance_To prove the old adage “History Repeats 

itself” As being false.” (Laughs.) 

Stephen.—(Seems Dense.) I beg Pawden Miss Connie, 
But I don’t folly ye! 

Constance.—Of course not, (Laughs.) (Stephen seems 
annoyed.) You surely ought to know what History means, 
since you yourself are a part of it. (Catches herself.) Of-Of, 
Earlscourt I mean. 

Stephen.—Jess so Miss Connie, Jess So! 

Constance.—(Laughs.) Well, then, in all your life did 
you ever see, an officer of the Queens own, fully attired for 
a morning stroll-suddenlv leave his companion to indulge 
in a swim in a Cow Trough. (Laughs.) 

Stephen.—Lud, Lud! ’oo could ’ave been so impolite? 

Constance.—Why, Captain Dumleigh. Of course! 

Stephen.—What, not the young Cap’n as ’us allers at 
thy heels? 

Constance.—(Laughs.) Yes, the same officious and ever 
attending, staunch and Brave Captain of the Queens own 
Guards, Worthington Allison Dumleigh, who never fired 


a gun, or milked a cow* 

Stephen_(Laughs quietly.) Weel, Firin’ uv guns, is a 

mi^ht easier ’n milkin’ et times. 

Constance_Yes, so the Captain thinks now. 

S iphen_Aye? Did ’ee try it? 

Constance_Yes, and that is all he did, was totry It. 

(Laughs.) 

Stephen.—Coom, coom Miss Connie kiss, tell ’t me ’bout 
it? 

Constance_Well, not satisfied with picking a goodly 

amount of your choicest berries, the Captain conceived the 
idea of finishing his proaching by having Cream, so he 
went to the Cow-*- 

Stephen.—(Laughs.) The Brindle? 

Constance.—Yes, the one with the ring in her nose. 

Stephen.—(Aside.) Marcy, the Bull! Yes-yes— 

Constance.—Well the Captain went for the Cow— 

Stephen.—And the Cow went fur the Cap’n, I see— 
(Laughs.) 

Constance.—Yes, with her head down, so, (imitates.) And 
then the Captain turned to desert, when the cow suddenly 
assisted him over a fence and the Captain— 

Stephen.—Yes, yes? 

Constance.—Plunged into the water trough to take a 
swim. 

Stephen.—Marcy, I ’ope ’ee be’nt ’urt! 

Constance_Oh, no indeed, nothing but his feelings, and 

perhaps his swell Clothing. Oh what a rage he w r ent into 
when I laughed at him. (Laughs.) And now we have neither 
Berries or the pail which held them. 

Stephen.—Coom, coom, lass gie no though to thet, An’ ye 
shall have all the berries ye want! 

Constance.—Thank you Stephen Thorne. (Stephen exits 
in Cottage.) What a dear sweet old man he is. (Sits on 
bench R.) And what a dear demure little creature Dora is! 
Hardly looks at once when she is spoken too, and just to 
think she is doomed to marry that awful, burly, surly, man 
of strength, that beast of a Ralph Holt. ’Ugh, it makes me 
shudder, I’m glad it is’nt me, I’d rather have the Captain, 
Funny as he is (Laughs.) (Captain rises above hedge row' 
near center.) (She continues laughing.) 

Cap.—She lof’s, she actually Lof’s at me! 

Constance.—(Who does not see him.) He was the most 
ridiculous thing! 

Cap.—She seems duecedly sympathetic, By Jove; 

Constance.—He w-as the funniest sight I ever saw! 
(Laughs.) 

Cap.—Funny, funny? I suppose, if I’d broken my neck, 
I might have been quite amusing. 

Constance_I know it was cruel in me to laugh, but I 

could’nt help It. 

Cap.—There you are! But I really wish I had a dry change 
of clothing, I do ’pon honor, Don’t che know? 


2 


Constance_To see him elevated over that fence. Laughs.) 

Cap.—It was’nt the elevation dear girl, it was the sudden 
stop, don’t cher know? I wish she had 10 suffer these wet 
trousers awhile—No, No, I mean these wet clothes! 

Constance.—Poor old Boy, I’m sorry for him after all. 

Cap—Yes, are’nt you? You seem quite pained, you do, 
Pon honor. 

Constance.—Poor fellow, his clothing must be ruined! 

Cap.—Quite I assure you. The crease has been hoplessly 
destroyed, in my trowsers, don’t cher know? Wish I had 
another suit real handy, I’d change in the barn, rather 
than she should see me as I am I would ’pon honor! 

Constance.—I wonder what is keeping him. (Pause.) 

Cap.—A keen sense of Decency my dear Lady, I assure 
you. 

Constance.—Perhaps he w r as seriously hurt! (Starts up 
stage to gate sees Cap.) (Laughs.) Oh’ there you are? Are 
you? 

Cap.—(Forces a laugh.) Yes, here I am, am I! 

Constance.—Oh’ dear! (Breaks into fit of laughter.) 

Cap.—If I had been killed, you would have lofed yourself 
to death, would’nt you? 

Constance_I ask your pardon Captain, but I can’t help 

laughing—But I am really sorry for you! 

Cap.—Yes, so I notice, you appear quite concerned, you 
do By Jove. 

Constance_Now there Captain I promise not to laugh 

again, so come here and sit down. 

Cap._Really, Miss Constance, I should be more than 

delighted, but I cawn’t do it ’ponhonor, don’t cher know? 

Constance_Can’t. And Why pray? 

Cap._Well, my trowsers are hardly presentable, don’t 

cher know? 

Constance.—Oh’ I see, because they are all wet, 

Cap.—No, because they are torn. 

Constance.—(Goes up to gate, Captain immediately shows 
nervousness and tries to conceal his back.) Why, I don’t 
see any torn places! 

Cap._Of course not dear girl, and I don’tmean you 

shall ’pon honor! You shant have another laugh at my 
misfortune— 

Constance—Misfortune? I thought it was you're trowsers 
(Laughs.) 

Cap._Oh’ I say, MissConstance, you’re rather haw'd on 

a chap, don’t cher know, 

Constance.—You are right Captain, so I will excuse you 
while you change your wet clothing for dry ones. 

Cau._That’s duecedly good of you, but you don’t graw'sp 

the situation, I cawnt be seen at the Manor in this plighe 
don’t cher know? 

Constance_And you can’t stand shivering there, unless 

vou catch your death of cold. 

Cap—Precisely! (Grins.) Is’nt it duecedly awkward? 

3 


(Pause.) I say, dear girl, cawnt you help me change my 
clothes. 

Constance_(With surprise.) What! 

Cap.—No, no, I don’t mean literally, fiuuratively, don’t 
cher know. 

Constance.—Well Captain Dumleigh, will you please ex¬ 
plain? 

Cap.—Precisely—Cawnt you go to the Manor and git dry 
clothing for me? I know it’s trying, I do really, but if you 
will oblige, you will spare me presenting a ridiculous sight 
to the servants, Really! 

Constance.—But after I have returned with your dry 
clothing where will you change, there is no place! 

Cap.—Oh, the barn will answer I think. 

Constance.—Very well Captain, I will be one friend, and 
the barn must be the other. (Goes to Entrance turns.) Oh’ 
where will I find the dry clothing Captain. 

Cap.—In the same closet used by your Brother Lord 
Donald. 

Constance_Oh’ then I shall find them easily, now Cap¬ 

tain be patience for a moment untill the releif expedition 
returns. (Laughs and exits.) 

Cap.—Don’t be long please for I am fast approaching the 
north pole don’t cher know? (Shivers.) Here’s a dueced 
fine go, Really, and just when I was getting on so famously 
with my love suit—Just when I had secured her feminine 
interest in my soldierly figure and impressed upon her the 
fervor of my undying love, then to have a wet blanket 
thrown over it all. I mean be thrown over a fence into a 
Cow trough to dampen it all—By jove how she did lof at 
me, and enjoyed it too, she did ’pon honor. Oh’ thl3 is a 
devil of a predicament, some one will surely happen this 
way before she returns, and then I will be the laughing 
stock of the entire county side. I should’nt mind it so much 
w f ere it not for the tear in the seat of my trowsers, if there 
w r as only some way to hide that—(Pause.) 1 have it’ 
(Takes large w'hite handkerchief and tucks it into his waist 
band so that it hangs dow r n like a curtain behind and covers 
the seat of trowsers.) (Then, he goes through gate and 
struts on stage in full view of Audience.) (Pause.) (Sits on 
bench.) By jove, I’m a lucky dog after all, for didn’t I enlist 
the services of my sw'eet heart to help me out? I did ’pon 
honor, I shall at once get a fitting present for that cow’ 
as a mark of my appreciation, I will really! By jove, wont 
there be a sensation in army circles w’hen it is announced, 
I fawncy I can hear the remarks of me brother officers, 
when they read, (Reads.) Engagemen extraw-ordinary, it 
is officially announced that Miss Constance Earl only 
daughter of Lord Rupert and Lady Helena Earl, is to wed 
Captain Worthington Allison Dumleigh of the Queens own 
Guards. 

Constance_(Who has entered in time to hear him 

speak the latter part of speech.) And how they will laugh 

4 


when they read of the Cow Trough incident. (She has 
bundle of Clothing.) Here you are Captain. (Cap. Rises 
and runs up stage through gate behind hedgp row.) (Con¬ 
stance laughs.) Do soldiers always run away from the 
enemy, under a flag of truce? 

Cap—Really, Miss Constance, don’t you think you are 
heaping it on a fellow rather thick? 

Constance.—Well, I don’t mean to be rude Captain, but 
you will insist upon doing such funny things, (Imitates.) 
Don’t cher know (Gives hi mbundle over hedge row.) 

Cap—Thank you Miss Constance, it’s duecedly good of 
you it is by jove! and I shawnt forget your kindness 
Really! 

Constance.—Oh’ that’s all right Captain, you are under no 
obligations, it was a pleasure I assure you—There now run 
to your stall and get your harness changed. 

Cap.—Thank you! But I say Miss Earl, you wont tell 
anyone will you? 

Constance.—Of course not Captain, besides you know I 
only have your word for it! 

Cap—Of course, dear girl, of course! (Looks off R.) 
Good Heavens, some one coming! (To Constance.) Now 
then young lady, About face! (Constance laughs.) (Turns 
face down stage.) Forward march! (Constance marches 
down stage.) Halt! (Constance halts.) (Captain should¬ 
ers bundle and marches down center turns sharp right 
wheel and exits.) 

Constance.—(As he exits.) And the enemy retired in 
good order! (Laughs.) Dear old boy, but he does get into 
so much trouble. (Goes to bench.) 

Stephen.—(Enters from Cottage.) Weel, Miss Connie 
lass, coom wi’ me now, to the berry patch, My Dora will 
hae’ a goodly lot o’ berries, an’ I’ll gin’ ye all ye want. 
(Enter Ralph Holt he carries coat over his arm, he comes 
down center he is sullen and face is clouded.) 

Consctance.—Thank you Stephen, but the berries can 
wait, besides there is a man, who wishes to speak to you 
I fancy, (Crosses over.) Oh’ what a rain cloud! (Exits in 
Cottage.) 

Stephen.—Just ez ye please Miss Connie! Aye! Good 
morrow Ralph lad, not i’ the field to-day—What’s the 
matter lad? 

Ralph.—(Throws himself on Bench.) A lot’s the matter. 

Stephen.—Well, coom out wi’ it lad, be ye sick? 

Ralph._Not in the body but where are you goin’ with the 

basket Stephen? 

Stephen.—For berries lad. Oh’ ther be a fine crop th’ 
year, an’ it’s proud I be to rise ’em up to lay at the palates 
o’ my Lud Earl’s guest’s! 

Ralph.—The Manor’s full of Guests I am told. 

Stephen.—Aye, lad. Lud Farrington, Lud and Lady Mont¬ 
rose, Lady Charteris and her beautiful daughter—an’ the 
funny Captain o’ the Queens own, who likes o'er weel our 

5 


Masters darter—me thinks! 

Ralph.—Lord Earl does not always entertain this time 

of year. 4 

Stephen_Right lad! Right. But they do say, that geth- 

erin’ be in honor o’ young Ronal’s proposal o’ marriage to 
Miss Valentine Charteris! 

Ralph_(Jumps to his feet.) Ah-ha! 

Stephen_Lud, lud, what’s tt* matter ’ith ’ee lad? 

Ralph.—(Controls himself.) Nothing Stephen, but has 
the engagement been announced? 

Stephen_Lud no, (mysteriously.) It’s on’y been guessed 

at by the common folks! 

Ralph—Ah. (Sits again.) Well, then the common folks 
are bad guessers—and yod the worst of the lot! 

Stephen.—Aye? (Pause.) What dost ’ee mean lad? 

Ralph_Bah’ any one with half an eye can see that Ronald 

Earl’s interest don’t lay in the Charteris girl’s direction. 
Stephen Thorne are you as blind as the rest? 

Stephen.—Blind? Blind to what? 

Ralph.—To the purpose of this young aristocrat, who 
lords it over us all, with his kingly ways! 

Stephen.—Tush, tush lad, young Ronal’ be the honest 
son o’ our honest master! 

Ralph.—Honest is he? (Sneers.) And do you call, paying 
aristocratic court to a lady of title, while he seeks to ruin 
a commoner’s daughter, being honest? 

Stephen.—Take care lad, take care, ye don't know what 
ye say! 

Ralph.—Don’t I? Have you been in the strawberry patch 
this morning? (Goes up to hedge row.) 

Stephen.—Aye, a short time ago! 

Ralph.—Who did you leave there? 

Stephen.—Why, young Ronal’ Earle, and my Dora! 

Ralph.—Aye, and what were they doing eh? 

Stephen.—Laughin’ an’ chattin’ like two school childer’ 

Ralph.—Well, look and tell me what they are doing now? 
(Stephen goes up.) You see heads so close together, their 
very thoughts can be felt he holds her hand, and is whisper¬ 
ing words of love to her, do you see Stephen Thorne. 

Stephen.—(Shades his eyes.) Aye! 

Ralph.—Then speak—is that the act of a child, or a full 
grown libertine, who handles an honest girl as he would a 
play thing? 

Stephen.—Stop, young hot head! Thet man be the son 
o’ one o’ Englands proud Lords—A lord as ’ud dig thet son’s 
garve wi’ ’is own hands afore he’d see ’im guilty o’ sich a 
thing. Thet girl be Dora Thorne, the honest darter o’ 
Stephen Thorne, and thy promised bride, ye must be daft 
to think o’ sich a thing! 

Ralph.—I tell you Stephen Thorne, I am right, Ronal 
Earle means no good to our Dora. Reason it out yourself, 
he has known her but a few r short days, while I have loved 
her all my life. And do you think his proud father will 

6 


ever consent to his union with his lodge keeper’s daughter'•* 
Don’t you suppose young Earle knows that! Then why does 
he soil his aristocratic hands and clothes doing labor in his 
lordly earth eh? 

Stephen.—Take care young Tin, my darter ruined by_by 

heaven if ye tell me the truth! 

Ralph—It is the truth, my heart tells me so, and when 
the heart speaks all else is silent, all dead. (Sits on 
bench.) 

Stephen.—(Goes to him and places hands on shoulders.) 
Coom, coom lad ye be mad Tth jeleousy, but tel’t me what 
ye have seen? 

Ralph—Nothing criminal—no, not that, for when I do 
there will be one less aristocrat in the world. 

Stephen.—Weel, then what have ye seen. 

Ralph—Only the things that you yourself can see it 
you’ll take the trouble to look, things that are driving me 
mad, things that will force me, to do young Earl an injury 
if you do not stop them! 

Stephen—Have ye said ought to Dora? 

Ralph—No, but I mean to this very day, she shall know 
that I will not stand quietly by, and suffer her to play with 
my heart! 

Stephen.—Pm sorry for ’ee lad, but think ye are mis¬ 
taken, Why my Dora’s an honest girl, she be thy promised 
wife, be’nt my word gin’ to ye? Can’t ye trust Stephen 
Thorne lad? 

Ralph.—Yes,' Stephen, I would trust you with my life, 
but I can see by Dora’s actions that she no longer regards 
our engagement as pleasant. 

Stephen.—Oh’ coom, coom, lad, don’t let the green mons¬ 
ter run away wi’ yer imagination, rest assured that there 
be the father’s ahm atween Dora and any sich danger as ye 
suspect. 

Ralph.—Aye, and an honest lovers’ vengeance if thet 
fathers arm fails! 

Stephen.—Don’t ye worry, on thet score, Stephen Thorne 
never shirks his duty. I’ll talk wi’ the lass, and tcl’t her 
what young Ronal’s intentions be, she be an honest lass, 
and will hearken to her ole, fayther — je ll see. 

Ralph -No. I wont see, for I’m going away! 

Stephen_Aye, what d’ye say, goin’ away—where? 

Ralph.—To London, I have an offer of a good sit up there 
and I’m going to-day! 

Stephen_But ye never tol’t me this afore! 

Ralph_No, I had no reason to tell you I wanted to 

have all the arrangements made, so there would be nothing 
in the way. I wanted to have every thing ready so that 
Dora would be pleased— and now— 

Stephen.—Well what now? 

Ralph.—If I go, I must leave Dora to the flattery of this 
young devil as will steal her heart against me, 

Stephen.—Oh’ tush tush, lad, ye be ailin’ th’ day, Dora 

7 


shall wed none but ye-ye have my word for It—But coorn Into 
the Lodge an’ I’ll gle ye a nip as ’ull set ye right, an’ then 
ye can tell me all ’bout the business up in Lunuun. 

Ralph.—All right Stephen! (Steve exit in cottage.) Dora 
cared for me until this young aristocrat came whit his 
smooth and oily words, his lordly airs, which fascinated 
her. And while I am away toiling for a place in the world 
for her, he will be weaving a net to entangle her soul. But 
she’s mine, mine, and I’ll have her in spite of all the aristo¬ 
crats in the Kingdom. (Goes up stage and looks ol't.) Ah’ 
go on my fine handsome fellow of lordly blood, but be care¬ 
ful some one don’t find the color of that same life fluid. 
(Exit in Cottage.) 

Ronal.—(Enters with Dora carrying a small basket, 
they go down R. to bench through gate in hedge row.) I 
am glad if I have not been in your way this morning Dora. 

Dora.—No indeed Lord Earl, I have enjoyed your com¬ 
pany more than words can express. 

Ronald.—Thank you Dora, do you know, I had rather 
hear you say you enjoyed being with me, than to know the 
proudest lady in the land was at my feet. 

Dora.—(Coyly.) Oh’ Lord Ronald! 

Ronal.—It i3 the truth Dora, but please don’t address me 
as Lord Ronal, it is so cold and formal, besides that title 
does not come to me until my fathers death you know. 

Dora.—But every one speaks of you as young Lord Ronal. 

Ronal True. But that is only out of respect, to my 

father as well as myself, it is quite correct when I am not 
present. 

Dora.—But I have no right to address you in any other 
terms. 

Ronal_Yes, you have since I not only give you per¬ 

mission so to do, but request it as a favor. 

Dora.—How then, shall I address you? 

Ronal.—(Going to her attempts to take her hands.) Just 
call me plain Ronal! wont you? 

Dora.—Very well then, Just—plain—Ronal. (Hangs her 
head.) 

Ronal.—Thank you Dora, now that sounds more friendly. 

Dora.—(Looks him straight in the face.) And is’nt there 
danger in a friendship between us Ronal? 

Ronal.—(Seriouly.) Danger, why, what do you mean. 

Dora.—You are next in line to a Peerage of one of Eng- 
lands first families, I am a commoner, your Lodge keeper’s 
daughter, an uneducated, uncouth Orphan who— 

Ronal.—Please stop, what are you going to banish the 
memory of the happiest morning that I have known, just 
from the desire to be petulant. 

Dora.—No, it is not that, but something tells me tha» — 
(Pause) 

Ronal_What, Dora? 

Dora.—That there is a gulf between us, that nothing can 
bridge over, that I must not listen to you, that we must 

8 


guard against the friendship you just offered—thai if it 
continues both our lives will be darkened. 

Ronal—Why, what ever put such gloomy thought in your 
dear little head. Only just a moment ago you were all 
smiles, and laughter. 

Dora.—Yes, then we were in the open sunsnine, and you 
were on your knees helping me do a task set for me by 
your mother, Lady Earl, then our object was the same, 
our cause a common one, now it is different. 

Ronal_Why different? 

Dora.—Here ore the gates to Earl Manor, here the line 
of distinction is most rigidly drawn,—your way lies through 
the gate way of the aristocratic—mine through the door of 
the Lodge keeper Stephen Thorne. 

Ronal.—Am I to understand, because of the difference in 
our birth’s that you do not value my friendship. 

Dora.—No, no not that, I— 

Ronal.—Listen to me Dora Thorne. (Quickly though 
quietly.) Since first I saw you upon my return from college. 
I have tried all in my power to disabuse your mind of the 
prejudice that has been instilled by your associates, against 
the aristocracy, I wanted you to know that even a Lord is 
only a human being, breathing the same air, seeing the 
same things, hearing the same sweet sounds enjoyed by 
the world around him. That is why I have read to you 
from the grandest masters, because I thought you would 
realize the truth of Burn’s famous saying “A Man’s a Man 
for all o’ that.” 

Dora.—It is because I do realize, that I fear you! 

Ronal.—Fear Me, Dora? 

Dora._No I don’t mean that, I should have -‘aid fear for 

you. 

Ronal.—Why I don’t understand. 

Dora.—Listen Ronal, you are the only son of the proudest 
Earl in England, already your name is mentioned in con¬ 
nection with one of the highest ladies in the land. I am 
the poor daughter of your Lodge keeper, don't you see how 
utterly impossible it is for us to be friends? 

Ronal.—But suppose I told you- 

Dora._(Quickly.) But you must not tell me. (Enter 

Captain.) (from barn.) 

Cap._I beg pawdon, Ronal Really I had no Idea you were 

here. (His Clothes are ill fitting and he endeavors to con¬ 
ceal the fact that he had met with an accident.) 

Ronal._Certainly old chap, but come out let us have a 

look at you, what seems to be the trouble? 

Cap._Nothing old fellow—that, is nothing of anv conse¬ 

quence, you see I had the misfortune to er-ah ! that is I— 

Ronal._Want an introduction to Miss Thorne eh? Dora 

may I present to you my esteemed friend Captain Worth¬ 
ington Allison Dumleigh, of the Queens own Guards. 

Cap.—But really I- 

Ronal._Come out and meet the lady. (Laughs. ; 

9 




Cap._(Comes out timidly.) Really Miss Sticker*— I foe* 

pawdon Miss Thorue, under more favorable circumstances 
I should be delighted,chawmed I should say pon honor don’t 
cher know! 

Dora.—(Bows.) Thank you Captain Dumlelgh! (Gets 
basket.) You will excuse me gentlemen, I must stem the 
berries, for luncheon, 

Ronal.—Surely the berries can wait! (Dora crosses to 
door.) 

Dora.—Lady Helena’s instructions were positive, you will 
excuse me. (Exits.) 

Cap.—Oh’ I say Earl, she’s a dueced pretty girl, don’t 
cher know! 

Ronal.—(Has crossed to bench.) (Sighs.) Do you think 
so? 

Cap.—Yes, do you know I really thought she was some 
one of consequence, really. 

Ronal.—(Paying little attention.) Well, so she is. 

Cap.—Really? I understood you to call her name as 
Thorne. 

Ronal.—Correct! 

Cap.—Ahe isn’t that the Lodge keeper’s name? 

Ronal.—Yes! 

Cap.—Ah’ and is the Lodge keeper a person of conse 
quence? 

Ronal_Perhaps! 

Cap.—Oh’ By Jove I see, a diversion, a pastime— 

Ronal_Stop, Dumleigh, whilet I regard you as my closest 

friend I warn you not to speak lightly of Dora Thorne. 

Cap.—But really old Chap, you cawnt be serious. 

Ronal—I have told you my wishes regarding Miss Thorne 
you will do well to remember them. 

Cap.—Certainly old fellow, but I cawn’t help being sur¬ 
prised don’t cher know, I cawn’t really. 

Ronal.—All right Dumleigh, but I want your word to 
remain silent upon this subject until I give you leave to 
speak, do you understand? 

Cap.—Of course old chap—I shant say a word, ’pon honor 
don’t cher know'? 

Ronal_Good, But I think I see Constance, and I fancy she 

is w'aiting for you. 

Cap.—(Going up to gate.) Really! By Jove, you aie 
right. I’m off old chap! Shall we see you at luncheon? 

Ronal.—Surely! (Sits on bench.) (Cap. exits.) The son 
of the proudest Lord in England. How fearfully true are 
those words, and how* often have I heard them with pleas¬ 
ure, Son of the Proudest Earl in all England but how hard 
a forboding they sounded as spoken by Dora. Just the 
same I am resolved to wed Dora Thorne if l can gain her 
consent. (Enter Valentine she stands at Gate unseen by 
Ronal or Dora.) 

Dora.—(Enters from Cottage with basin of water which 
she places on small bench at side of cottage.; I brought 

io 


some water for you Mr. Earl. 

Ronal—(Rising Quickly. Water for me? 

Dora_Why, yes, have you forgotten your hands are all 

berry stains? 

Ronal.—(Looks at hands ; Why, so they are. Cut it is 
a mark of lionesi toil, and 1 v ish they might remain so for 
all time to come, just as a :eminder of the peasant time 
I ahd while getting my hands in this condition. 

Dora.—That is a very pretty compliment Mr. Earle, and 
I thank you, but fancy you would soon tire of making ex¬ 
planations to your titled friends. 

Ronal.—W r hat if I did not choose to explain? 

Dora.—Oh’ but there would come a time when you would 
be compelled to offer some sort of an excuse. 

Ronal_Why? 

Dora.—Well, would’nt you look rather ridiculous, at 
supper with Lady Charteris, for instance, you could’nt wear 
gloves all the time you know. 

Ronal.—Well, it would be rather trying under those cir¬ 
cumstances, so I’ll take your advice and kind offices, and 
remove the precious stains. (Washes his hands) There! 
(Holds his wet hands so she may see they are clean.) 

Dora.—Why, I’ve forgotten a towel, never mind you may 
dry them on my apron. (Holds out corner of apron to him.) 

Ronal.—But your apron will be soiled! 

Dora.—That does not matter, I have many aprons, while 
you have only one pair of hands. 

Ronal.—And even they may not grasp the precious prize 
they long for! 

Dora.—What prize Lord Ronal? 

Ronal.—(Wiping his hands on apron.) A prize far 
greater than all the gold in earth, Grander than all the 
Titles in England with the Royal Crown thrown in—Dora 
(passionately.) Will you listen? 

Dora._I think father needs me. (Exits quickly.) (In 

cottage.) 

Ronal.—(Sighs.) Very well, my little strategist, you have 
only postponed the agony of my love making for I will win 
you yet! 

Valentine.—(Goes down center through gate.) (so to be 
clear when Ralph goes up.) 

Ralph._(Enters from cottage, pauses, advances toward 

Ronal. Then turns up stage and strides off through gate 
R. U. E.) 

Donal._(Smiles.) Well, what has disturbed the temper 

of that chap I wonder? (Goes up stage sees Valentine.) 
Ah’ Miss Charteris, where did you come from so silently? 

Valentine._Silently? Oh’ dear, (Laughs.) do you mean 

to say you did not hear me enter through the gate? 

Donal._No, you were furtherest from my mind. 

Valentine.—Indeed, and had you forgotten our appoint¬ 
ment? 

Ronal.—For a moment yes though I am ashamen to con- 


ii 


fess it. It’s very good of you to come, wont you sit down? 
(Offers seat on bench.) 

Valentine.—Thank you Ronal. (She sits.) I waited for 
you in the arbor until it seemed an age had passed beyond 
the given time, then I ran into Captain Dumleigh who told 
me you were at the Lodge, so I came on. 

Ronal.—Ah’ Valentine, you are a dear good girl, and I 
hardly know why I should ask you to interest yourself in 
my affairs, unless it is that I am sure you will understand 
me fully. 

Valentine.—I shall do my best to serve you Ronal. 

Ronal_Thank you Valentine—but I am much a harum 

scarum sort of chap— 

Valentine.—You depreciate yourself Lord Ronal. 

Ronal.—Last evening I told you Miss Charteris, that 
words are always a struggle for me when anything lies 
deep in my heart! 

Valentine_(Aside.) Rather a unique preface to a pro¬ 

posal. (Aloud.) Well, you are not alone with your failing, 
I too have thoughts I can not express in words. 

Ronal_Thank you Miss Charteris, I have always felt 

there was an indescribable some thing that drew us close 
together, and that is why I asked for this appointment, 
because I could not say what is necessary at the Manor. 
(Looks at Cottage and sighs.) 

Valentine.—Why do you sigh Ronal? 

Ronal_I don’t know, unless it is the usual preface to 

the story of a man's love. Valentine I am going to tell you 
the story of my love, will you listen? 

Valentine.—(Drops her head coyly.) Yes Ronal. 

Ronal.—And will you promise to keep my secret, until 
I give you permission to disclose it. (Valentine looks sur¬ 
prised.) Believe me, my reasons are honorable—Will you 
promise? 

Valentine.—I do, I promise to keep your secret until such 
time as you give me permission to disclose it. (This speech 
spoken to imply that she expects a proposal of marriage.) 

Ronal_I wonder if you can guess what I am going to 

tell you? 

Valentine.—(Coyly.) I think I can Ronal. 

Ronal.—Then you will not blame me, for my mad love, 
a love that threatens my future terribly, a love that is so 
strong, so burning that all else seems consumed, Home, 
Title, Estates, Friends all sink into utter nothingness. 

Valentine.—Title—Estates? Why of what are you speak¬ 
ing Lord Ronal? 

Ronal.—Why, my love for Dora Thorne! 

Valentine.—Dora Thorne! (Rises quickly.) 

Ronal.—Yes Dora Thorne, the dearest and best girl in all 
the world. I thought you had guessed it. 

Valentine.—(Sinks back on bench.) I had guessed, you 
were conducting a flirtation with her! But never dreamed 
you could love her like that. 


12 


Ronal.—Words do not express my deep love for her, and 
I shall make her my wife in spite of all opposition, now 
Valentine do you understand why I have bound you to 
secrecy, and why I need your friendship? 

Valentine.—Because of your father’s anger when he learns 
of your love for Dora Thorne! 

Ronal.—Yes, his disappointment will be fearful I fear for 
he has counted so much upon a titled marriage. Now he 
loves you as his own daughter, when I have told him, will 
you plead for Dora? Lord Earl will be influenced hy you! 

Valentine.—I will do all in my power to serve you, but 
I would advise that you tell Lord Earle at once. 

Ronal.—Why at once? 

Valentine—Because your honor should be valued above 
your life or love. Your father has never treated you in an 
honorable manner, you have no right to treat him other¬ 
wise, for to deceive him by a private marriage and one that 
is distasteful to him, would be nothing less than dishonor¬ 
able! 

Ronal.—You are right Valentine, and I shall act upon 
your advice, and you will intercede for me? (She rises and 
they go up center.) 

Valentine—I have promised to keep your secret, and be 
your friend, I will keep my word, I will tell Lord Earle of 
Dora’s beauty, her grace, her tenderness—(They exit arm 
in arm L. U. E.) 

Dora.—(Enters with Stephen from Cottage Stephen car¬ 
ries a basket covered with white cloth to represent berries.) 
Ther, Daddy—Now be careful carry the basket without jolt¬ 
ing, for I want Lady Earl to receive the berries nice and 
firm. 

Stephen_Aye, Dcra lass gie no thought to that—But lass, 

are sure’tis on’y th’ care o’ th’ berries that concerns ye? 

Dora.—Why, of course Daddy, what else? 

Stephen.—May-hap, th’ thought, that the berries will soon 
be all gathered, and ye will see Young Lord Earle no more! 
(Dora starts.) 

Dora.—Ronal Earl! (Recovers.) (Laughs.) Oh’ yes, of 
course I shall miss him. 

Stephen.—An’ wil’t ye miss him much lass, very much? 

Dora.—(Seriously.) Why Daddy, what a strange ques¬ 
tion, Young Lord Earle has been very kind to me, and his 
presence in the strawberry patch has made the task some 
easier, besides he has taught me many things. 

Stephen_What things lass? 

Dora_(Hesitates.) Well he has read to me from the best 

authors, great men I did not know had ever lived, (Grows 
enthused.) Why Daddy the sound of his voice, as he sang 
the beautiful poems, was music such as I never dreamed of 
hearing except in heaven, and— 

Stephen.—An’ what lass? 

Dora.—(Impatiently.) Oh’ 1 don’t know, Daddy, but it 
seems that he is so different from all others, so broad of 

*3 


mind, so gentle, with a soul for all that is good and grand. 

Stephen.—(Sternly.) Aye, grand may-hap, but 1 be not so 
sure 'bout the goodness! 

Dora_(Surprised.) Why Daddy, what do you mean? 

Stephen.—(Puts down basket.) (Goes to her at bench.) 
Hark ye, lass for on'y a minit—I promise not to preach to 
ye. (Coom, coomb, sit ye down here at the feet o’ thy ole’ 
daddy, same ez ye did when a babby, (She sits with elbows 
on his knees.) (He takes her face in his hands.) Dora, my 
little Dora. (Voice breaks.) Be patient a little lass, now 
tel’t me wtl’t ye deceive ver ole’ daddy? 

Dora.—Deceive you daddy? Why I don’t know what you 
mean, have I ever been anything but straight forward and 
honest. 

Stephen.—No lass! God bless ye, no! 

Dora.—Then what do you mean? 

Stephen.—Dora lass, when your dear angel mother passed 
from this earth, her last words tore from me a promise that 
I would cherish and guard you, while life was in my body, 
and I’ve done that, hav’nt I’? 

Dora.—Yes, daddy you have been all this world to me, 
Father, Brother, everything, but why all these questions? 

Stephen.—Because my promise to your mother is not ful¬ 
filled yet—and I see a storm in thy young life that is about 
to break, and I want you safe in the shelter o’ my heart 
away from danger. 

Dora.—Danger daddy? 

Stephen.—Aye, the danger that lies in a fine lord’s trick¬ 
ery. 

Dora.—Trickery, (Rises quickly.) You mean Ronal Earle? 

Stephen_Aye, Ronal Earle, Oh’ I have seen his advances, 

but believed my little Dora a good pure and honest girl, 
too firm to be trapped by his tempting bait! 

Dora.—Father, you don’t know what you say, you wrong 
one of the noblest men on God’s green earth—(Paces up and 
down) who could have put such cruel thoughts in your hon¬ 
est heart? 

Stephen.—If I be cruel, an’ do misjudge the young lord, 
then I’ll be the first to bow to ’is grace, an’ ax ’is pawden, 
but ye must tel’t me lass, if he has made light ’ith ye? 

Dora.—Ronal Earle is a gentleman, a Peer of the Realm, 
your question is an insult. 

Stephen.—(Growing angry.) Oh’ I see, his smooth tricks 
have had their way, ’ith ye, now tel’ me lass how far has it 
gone, has he said he loves ye. (Seizes her roughly.) Answer 
me! 

Dora.—(Deeply pained, looks him quietly in the face.) 
Oh’ daddy you hurt me! 

Stephen—(Releases her.) (Grows calm as she weeps soft¬ 
ly at tree or fence.) Forgiev me Dora lass, for the first 
time in my life I have caused ye tears, but don’t ye see, the 
trouble’s greater wP me an’ it is wi’ ye? Can’t ye see, that 
I be on’y trvin’ to save ye from a villian? 

14 


Dora—Stop! Even though you be my father, and the one 
to whom I owe all that may be good in life, you shall not 
speak so of Ronal Earl. 

Stephen—Then it is true, as ’ee is thy lover! 

Dora.—If he is, he is an honest one. Oh’ daddy, that you 
should doubt me—me your daughter. (Pause.) (Stephen 
hangs head.) (She goes dow r n to him.) Now hear me, you 
have seen fit to suspect me of deception, and worst of all 
to traduce the character of an honest man, now I ask you 
why? What has Ronal Earle done, what have you seen? 

Stephen—His triflin’ wi’ ye is the talk o’ the county side' 

Dora—(Quickly.) And what do they say? 

Stephen—As ’ee is a libertine, and will ruin yer life, 
then throw ye over as ’ee would a play thing. Ye know 
ye be the promised wife o’ Ralph Holt so bid young Earl 
begone. 

Dora.—No, Ronal Earle has never spoken one word or 
love to me, and if he should_ 

Stephei.—Well? 

Dora—I shall send him at once to Stephen Thorne my 
father—as for Ralph Holt! 

Stephen—Aye, what o’ Ralph? 

Dora—I can see his work in this, his mad jealousy has 
poisoned your gentle heart, until you no longer trust your 
only child. 

Stephen.—But ’ee ’as the right, ye be ’is promised wife. 

Dora—Promised, yes, but not wedded. From infancy I 
have looked upon him as my future husband, but that is 
over now! 

Stephen.—What do ye say lass, over? 

Dora—Yes, over, our engagement is at an end, and he 
shall learn this very day, the price he is to pay for the un¬ 
just, cruel insult he has offered. 

Stephen.—But Dora! Think, ye’ll break the lad’s heart. 

Dora.—What,would you counsel me to wed a man who does 
not trust his promised wife before marriage, doom her to 
a life of torture, prompted by an insane jealousy, is it thus 
you would keep your promise to my dying Mother? 

Stephen.—No, lass, if you do not love him, it shall be at 
an end. 

Dora.—I don’t love him now, and never did, I tolerated 
the engagement because it seemed to be a natural thing, 
because you wishd it, but since you have told me what has 
been said, I am for the first time awake to the horror of 
an existence with such a man. 

Stephen_But Ralph be going away, th’ day, out o’ love 

for ye? 

Dora.—Going away, where? 

Stephen.—Away oop to Lunnun lass, ’ee’s got a fine sit 
oop there as ’ll gie ’im a chance to make a fine home for ye. 

Dora.—Then I shall find him at once and tell him, he 
need not trouble. (Starts to Cottage.) 

Stephen.—No, no, lass! Leave it to thy ole’ fayther. as ye 

l 5 


say, since ye do not love ’Im, It Is best he be tol’t at once, 
it’ll be 'ard on ’im for the poor lad’s been count In' on vo 
all these years—I’ll find ’im on my way to the Manor, a a’ 
I’ll talk wi’ ’im. 

Dora.—No, simply tell him that I wish to see and talk 
with him—he placed the betrothal ring on my hand. (Shows 
ring.) It is only right that the same hand should give it 
back to him. 

Stephen.—Yer reet lass, that’s honorable, but it’ll be ’ard 
on ’im mighty ’ard. 

Dora.—It may be hard daddy, but it is honest 

Stephen_Reet lass, reet. An’ now say you forgive : er 

foolish ole’ daddy, an’ I’ll be on my way ith th' berries. 

Dora_Forgive you daddy? Why of course I forgive you, 

but always remember your Dora is an hones* girl’ 

Stephen_I shant forgit thet lass, an’ now I know I can 

trust ye wi’ all the Lords in th’ Kingdom! (Exits gate with 
basket.) 

Dora.—Aye, you can trust me, but can I trust myself! 
Oh’ how my heart aches! (Exits in cottage.) 

Ronal.—(Enters hurriedly through gate in fence from 
L. U E.) (Goes down to Cottage and looks about stage.) 
I’m sure I saw Dora and her father here but a moment ago. 
Gone into the Lodge perhaps, well, I’ll wait. (Sits on bench.) 
Am I doing right in this matter, my heart and conscience 
answer yes, then comes the knowledge of my Father’s iron 
will—Valentine vows he will cast me off and never forgive 
me. Well, let him—I have reckoned the cost, a life ot ease 
and comfort against a life time in a heaven of p*»re love 
;ind happiness with the wdfe of my heart, a wife for whom 
1 would sacrifice all that this poor old earth has to offer— 
Yes, I have decided. Dora Thorne shall be my wife if I can 
gain her consent—(Goes over to cottage.) I wonder where 
she is—(Starts up stage to gate.) In the strawberry patch 
perhaps—I’ll see, (Ralph Holt meets him in gate having en¬ 
tered from R. U. E.) (They both stop and look keenly at 
each other.) Well fellow! 

Ralph_This gateway is narrow, it would be dangerous 

for you to try and pass me now! 

Ronal_What do you mean fellow! Stand aside* (At* 

tempts to pass.) 

Ralph.—(Stops him.) Not so fast my fine lordling_I 

want a word with you! 

Ronal_(Firmly.) Well, when you have learned to ad¬ 

dress an English Gentleman as becomes his station, then 
I will listen to you, at present I wish you to clear that gate. 

Ralph.—I know' how' to address a gentleman when I meet 
up with him, all right. And I know how to protect myself * 
from all others. 

Ronal—(Showing Impatience.) "Well, perhaps you are 
aware that you are trespassing upon my estates. 

Ralph.—Yes, and I am also aware, that you are treading 
on my heart! 

16 


Ronal.—Your heart? Who? 

Ralph—You—you aristocratis whelp of hell_Oh’ you 

can’t face me down with your damned deceit as you would 
old Stephen Thorne! 

Ronal.—Stephen Thorne? 

Ralph—Aye, Stephen Thorne, your Lodge keeper, the 
Father of Dora Thorne, whom you seek to ruin! 

Ronal.—(Raises cane as though to strike.) Take care, you 

cur! 

Ralph.—Take care for what, that kid gloved hand what 
never done a days work, and could’nt earn the bread to 
keep your hot house carcass from starving. (Laughs loud¬ 
ly-) 

Ronald—(Recovers himself.) (Cooly takes off gloves.) 
(Speaks quietly though with determination.) It is quite 
evident, that you hold me for some fancied wrong, and 

though I am an aristocrat, and heir to an Earldom, you 

shall find this hot house carcass you so much despise, six 
feet of good hard man, as you have handled lately. So 
come state your grievence and if nothing but fist cuffing 
will suffice, I promise to furnish my share, and expend 
same in an earnest endeavor to polish off your surly face. 
(Steps down stage and lays cane down.) So come, my 

boastful son of honest toil, in what manner have I 

offended? 

Ralph_(Steps inside gate.) You are trying to steal my 

Dora! 

Ronal.—Your Dora? (Laughs.) 

Ralph.—Yes. my Dora! Mine because I have loved and 
cared for all my life—She’s of my kind, you may pick and 
choose from all the grand ladies in the land, so go your 
ways, and leave Dora Thorne to me! 

Ronal.—Oh’ I see, because a man is born of gentle blood, 
he can not be honest in matters of the heart! eh? 

Ralph.—Doves never mate with eagles—Choose one of 
your class, and leave my Dora alone! 

Ronal.—Why? 

Ralph.—Because I love her! 

Ronal.—Well, so do I— 

Ralph. (Overcome.) You—love Dora Thorne—Oh’ my 

God! (Suddenly.) It’s a lie! 

Ronal.—What! (Threatens.) 

Ralph._Oh’ you can’t frighten me, I know your blood and 

the habits of your kind—You look upon all women as your 
legal and righaful prey, you’re pouring soft words of love 
into my Dora’s ear—Stealing her love from me—Do you 
hear DAM YOU! Stealing my Dora, and in the end you’ll 
ruin her life—her honor, make her a plaything— 

Ronal.—(Who by this time is in a terrific passion.( 
(Seizes Ralph by throat and forces him to his knees.) On 
your knees, you dog! Now, retract those words, or I’ll choke 
the life out of you. (Throws Ralph to stage.) You low 
bred cur! Were I to serve you as you deserve, I’d thrash you 

17 


with an inch of your life—Bah’ I pltty you. 

Ralph_(Rises in anger.) Pity me? 

Ronal_Yes pity—pity you for the great love you hold 

for Dora Thorne, for you will never have her! 

Ralph_Why wont I? 

Ronal.—Because she will be my wife! 

Ralph_Not while I live! 

Ronal.—What will you do to prevent it? 

Ralph.—Oh’ I know a way. Does your lordly father 
know of your mad love for his low born Lodge keeper’s 
daughter?—(Laughs loudly.) 

Ronal.—No, but he will when the proper time arrives. 

Ralph_Ays, that he will and before, Ronal Earle, be¬ 

fore! 

Ronal.—What do you mean? 

Ralph.—I mean that I’m going to tell Lord Earle your 
father all, we’ll see then if you’ll marry in opposition to the 
will of the Lord of Earlscourt! 

Ronal.—(Thinks a moment.) Of course that is your privi- 
ledge, and I believe you capable of even that mean act. At 
college we always had a cure for tale bearers that might 
serve me well in your case, so get yourself in readiness! 
(Takes off coat and vest and lays them on bench.) 

Ralph.—What are you going to do? 

Ronal.—Well, I am positive I shall not set eyes on you 
after you have caused a breach between myself and father, 
so I am going to take the present opportunity to give you 
the good beating you will earn. 

Ralph.—Providing you are able—(Throws off waist coat.) 

Ronal.—Well, if I am not your master this time, I will 
give you a receipt in full for all future misunderstandings— 
so come on. (NOTE.—This fist fight should be thoroughly 
rehearsed, and made a feature of the play—It should be 
worked up Ad. Lib. as long as It will ge at the finish the 
men should be locked in a firm grip with Ronal on top 
forcing Ralph’s body over bench which has been overturned 
in the struggle. At this juncture Enter Stephen Thorne at 
Gate. Followed by Lord E. Valentine and Cap. Dumleigh.) 

Ralph_Help—help t 

Dora.—(Enters from Cottage.) Oh’ Ronal what are you 
doing? 

Ronal.—Teaching this cur to respect his betters. (Drags 
Ralph to center and forces him to his knees.) You are come 
in time Dora, now you dog apologize to this lady, or— 

Dora.—Apologize to me Ronal? Why, what has he done. 

Lord E.—(Going down Center L.) What is the meaning 
of this low exhibition. 

Dora.—(To Ronal who is about to strike Ralph. (She 
stops hie raised hand.) Hold, I beg of you—your father! 

Ronal.—My father! (Releases Ralph who falls exhausted 
to the stage.) 

Lord E_Yes, your father, more shame to me, that I find 

you fistcuffing with a low born commoner—Speak sir, 

18 


What occasioned this brawl? 

Ronal—(Pause while all give close attention.) It was a 
personal matter, Sir. 

Lord E.—Even so, as high Magistrate of Earlscourt, and 
proprietor of these domains, I demand an answer .to my 
question. 

Ronal.—While I respect you Sir, not only as Lord of 
Earlscourt, but my revered father as well, what has just 
transpired was a personal affair, and I decline to answer! 

Lord E.—Very well Sir, then I shall exercise my right of 
office and wrest the facts from your opponent! 

Renal.—He will not speak, he dare not! 

Ralph.—(Rising painfully.) Yes, he does dare, and he 
will. 

Everybody.—What: 

Ronal.—You cur! (Rushes to him.) (Dora seizes his right 
hand with left hand clinging to his shoulder. Valentine gets 
before him. Lord E. raises his right hand. Ralph is in the 
Left Corner.) 

Dora and Valentine_Ronal! 

Dora.—Think what you are doing! 

Lord E.—Aye, what indeed—not content with brawling 
like a rowdy, he would go still farther, and show his base¬ 
ness, in the presence of a Titled Lady. 

Valentine.—Please Lord Earle give no thought to me. 
(Dora hangs head and looks away.) (Drops down to R. 
Corner.) I am sure Ronal had sufficient cause. 

Ronal.—Thank you Valentine! (Stephen drops down be¬ 
hind them to Dora.) 

Lord E._That we shall soon learn Miss Charteris—(To 

Ralph.) Now sir, who and what are you. 

Ralph.—Ralph Holt, your Lordship’s farm teamster. 

Lord E._Teamster eh? (Looks severely at Ronal.) Shame, 

shame. Then speak Ralph Holt, why do I find you engaged 
in a fist fight with my son the future Lord Earl? 

Ralph._Because your son the Future Lord Earle, has de- 

cended from his exalted station, to play the part of a rogue, 
a libertine, to wreck my honest life, to break the heart of 
a good old man, to ruin a trusting gir.. Do- 

Ronal._Stop! another word, and I’ll do you awful injury. 

(To Lord E.) I had hoped Sir, to keep this matter from you 
until such time as I felt my ground secure, then you should 
have known all, but your presence at this inopportune 
time has precipated matters, but I will not allow any tongue 
but mine to be the first to tell you— 

Lord E.—Tell me what? 

Ronal._This quarrel, was the outcome of two men’s love 

for the same girl. 

Lord E._(Pause.) The same girl, whom do you mean? 

Ralph.—Dora Thorne. 

Everybody.—Dora Thorne? 

Stephen.—My Dora? 

Ralph._Aye, Stephen Thorne, your Dora. (Laughs.) 

19 



Lord E.—So then, the rumors are true, and the flirtation 
has been going on under my very eyes, und you Stephen 
Thorne my old and trusted servant have been a party to 
the intrigue—aided and abbetted to bring about that which 
would forever cast a blight upon the house of Earls! 

Stephen.—Hold, yer Ludship, I be frank to confess I hae’ 
seen young Lud Ronal’s soft looks, an’ on’y a short time 
ago, I tuck my lass to task ’bout th’ same, but when ye 
say the lass be dishonest or— 

Lord E.—She is dishonest, else she would know he is as 
far above her as the heavens above the earth, Oh’ I know 
her kind, and how they entice and fan the passion of young 
men of rank, how they secure for themselves a life of ease 
and comfort through the foolishness of their victims— 

Ronal.—Father! I warn you to cease your insults! 

Lord E.—Silence Sir! I am conducting an investigation, 
and I forbid you to speak until I give you leave, do you 
hear upon your peril. (Ronal bows head.) 

Dora.—(Advancing to center.) Please Lord Ronal do not 
anger your father. (To Lord E.) Your Lordship may si¬ 
lence your son, but you must listen to me. I am the un¬ 
happy cause of what threatens to be a family estrangemene 
—because your noble son has done me the honor to find in 
one of so lowly birth, a few moments of innocent pleasure— 
you would cause him hours of anguish. For the vile thought 
you have conveyed against my character, I freely forgive 
you, and can only tell you—you are mistaken. 

Lord E Oh’ I am not a fool to be set aside by your 

honied words, I tell your old father, I tell, you and all pres¬ 
ent, that what I hinted at is true, you are— 

Dora.—And I tell you and all the world that you lie! 

Everybody.—What! 

Dora.—I repeat, he lies, Now hear me further, Ronal 
£arle has never spoken one word of love to me—And vou 
have no more right to question my character, than my 
father has to question your daughter Constanse. 

Stephen.—By Heaven the lass, be reet your ludship. 

Ronal.—But he has questioned, the head of the House of 
Earle has placed a blight upon the fair life of one of it’s 
dependents, it is now for the son to remove that cloud. 

Lord E.—What would you do? 

Ronal—Ask the girl I love to be my wife! 

Everybody_Your wife? 

Ronal.—Yes, my honorable wife! 

Lord E.—You are mad. 

Ronal—Perhaps, and to what extent you shall see, for 
here in the presence of friends and foe alike, 1 publicly ask 
Dora Thorne at the hands of her respected father, to be 
lawful wife! 

Valentine.—My God! (Lord Earle sinks into chair.) 

Ronal—Dora did you hear? (Holds out arms to her.) 

Dora.—Yes, and I—(Going to him.) 

Lord E.—Stop! do not answer until I have spoken. Ronal 


20 


Earl, you are my only son and heir to the jroudest Earl¬ 
dom in all England, it is upon you I had counted to succeed 
me in many great things, and but for this moment of mad¬ 
ness would have been the proud husband of a Titled Lady, 
if you persist in this madness, there is but one thing for me 
to do, that is disown you forever, cut you off with a penny, 
close my door and heart against you forever, never to look 
upon your face nor you upon mine so long as life shall lase. 

Ronal.—I am but doing as you have done before me, 
asking the woman I love to be my cherished wife. 

Lord E_And I am doing my duty as a father, following 

the dictates as set down by the Throne of England, which 
governs and rules all men of Title. 

Ronal.—The Throne of England, may dictate in every 
matter pertaining to high social deportment, but this is a 
matter of my life's happiness my free born individual right, 
—A right that I will exercise in spite of Father, Throne, 
and all the Aristocratic Lords in the Kingdom. 

Lord E_My God! The boy is mad! (Falls into chair.) 

Ralph.—Hold hard, your Lordship, he may defy you and 
all the aristocrats, but I’ve got a card up my sleeve that 
will bring him to his senses. 

Lord E.—You fellow? 

Everybody.—Y ou ? 

Ralph.—Yes me! I’ve got first claim to the hand of 
Dora Thorne. 

Ronal.—What do you mean? 

Ralph.—That Dora Thorne is my promised wife, she has 
worn my betrothal ring for months—Ask her. (Laughs.) 

Lord E.—Thank God! 

Ronal.—(Quietly to Dora.) Dora? 

Dora.—He has spoken the truth, the marriage was pre¬ 
arranged by my father, while I was yet a child—I am a 
woman now, and call you all to witness that I ask Ralph 
Holt to release me from the obligation. 

Ralph_And Ralph Holt refuses— 

Dora._Then I separate myself from you; (Tears off ring 

and throws it at his feet.) There is the burden you have 
placed upon a woman’s heart, a burden that has grown so 
heavy, it’s weight seems to crush my heart, take it—take it 
and begone! 

Ttalph.—I appeal to your father, I hold his promise, that 
you will be my wife. 

Dora._Father—You poor fool! Don’t you know that only 

Heaven can control A womans Love. 

Ronal.—(Holds out arms.) Dora! 

Dora._Donal! (Rushes to him at center.) 

Lord E._In his arms before my eyes—what does this 

mean? 

Ronal.—It means that Heaven has registered a promise, 
that Dora Thorne will be my wife. Go all! 

CURTAIN. 

Stephen Thorne is Right at end of Bench. Cap. is behind 

21 


bench. Dora and Ronald embrace in Center, Lord E. Falls 
Into Rustic Chair at left near Cottage door, Constance on 
one side of him kneeling, and Valentine at other side, he 
has fainted. Ralph is Left of Dora and Ronal. 

SECOND PICTURE. 

Clear stage except Ralph Holt who is up stage at Gate 
as though in the act of Leaving, Ronal is on up stage side 
of Old Stephen, and Dora on the other, moving toward Cot¬ 
tage they have Stephen by the hands. 

ACT II. 

SETTING—Same as Act ist. 

Time—Next evening. 

AT RISE. 

(Enter Constance through Gate from L. U. E. Followed 
by Captain Dumleigh. She is in a temper and paces from 
Right to Left during scene. The Captain maintains posi¬ 
tion at center well down.) 

Cap.—I pray you-be calm, Miss Constance! 

Constance.—(Pacing back and forth) Be calm! Ee Calm— 
Yes that’s just what may be expected from men, you have 
no feelings yourselves, consequently cannot understand 
a woman— 

Cap.—Oh’ Yes we can. ’Pon Honor. But you are need¬ 
lessly working yourself into a terrible state—and all over 
nothing—You are really! Don’t cher know? 

Constance_Nothing! Nothing? (Advances to him with 

spirit. He appears frightened.) You miserable unfeeling 
wretch of a soldier! And do you call the violent scene be¬ 
tween my Father and Brother Ronal, last evening nothing? 

Cap.—It was rather rough on poor Ronal, it was Really! 

Constance.—Rough? It was worse, it was tough! And 
dear little Ronal, the best son in the world. And as for 
Dora Thorne—she may be only a lodge keeper’s daughter, 
but she’s a dear sweet, noble little woman—Oh’ I know her 
every trait! And if Lord Earl does persist in his unnatural 
determination, to cast my brother out—I at least will not 
desert him! 

Cap.—And I hereby enlist in my army, and desire to be 
at once enrolled as a champion of the good cause! 

Constance_Now, you begin to talk like a sensible man 

and a Human Being, as well as a soldier. (With an officer’s 
assumption.) Attention! (Captain salutes and comes to at¬ 
tention.) Captain Dumleigh, I detail you to immediately 
institute a diligent search for the Civilian Ronal Eari, 

w'ho has been absent from his quarters since last evening_ 

Find him on your life! and return him to me at once! 

Cap.—You are no doubt aware, General-ress Earle, that 
the duty you impose is of a delicate nature, and may neces- 
citate the offices of a spy! 

Constance.—Then Spy! 

Cap.—Oh’ But my dear General-ress English Army Law, 


22 


does not permit a commissioned Officer to render such 
service. 

Constance—Then we will transfer the Theatre of War, 
to America, where they know something about WAR! 

Cap—Now, that’s unkind Miss Constance. 

Constance—Perhaps, but it’s true, and the truth always 
hurts! 

Cap—I’m an English Officer you know? 

Constance.—Yes, but you are not working at it. 

Cap.—(Sarcastically.) No, Really? 

Constance.—(Imitates.) No, Really! Ton Honor, don’t 
cher know? Now, see here, in this matter, 1 choose to be 
regarded as an American Soldier, and if you with to aid 
me in my cause you must desert and come over to the 
enemy—Now, Sir, what do you say? 

Cap—Well, since my admiration for one so brave, has 
the better of my Loyalty—I desert and throw myself at 
your feet, and report for duty I de really! 

Constance.—That’s a dear good soldier boy! and you will 
execute my commission? 

Cap.—(Dramatically.) I will find Ronal Earle, or perish 
in the attempt! (Goes up to Gate.) 

Constance.—Good! (Calls.) Oh’ Captain. 

Cap.—(Turns, salutes, and comes to attention.) General- 
ress. 

Constance.—Remember no foraging! 

Cap.—I beg pawden? 

Constance.—I mean, I forbid you to milk the cows! 

Cap.—(Disgusted.) Oh. slush! (Exits hurriedly R. U. E.) 

Constance_No SPLASH. (Imitates diving in water 

trough.) (Laughs.) Oh’ dear, (Sits on bench.) I really be¬ 
lieve I’m beginning to like the Captain, he’s such a dear 
good boy. (Enter Ralph Holt through Gate, he goes down 
center to end of bench, he is sullen and his face is clouded.) 
(She jumps up.) Oh’ my, how you frightened me! 

Ralph.—Well, I’m sorry Miss, I did’nt mean too! 

Constance.—Why, of course not, I understand that! but 
what are you doing here, they said you had gone to Lon¬ 
don? 

Ralph.—I’m going on the next train. I’ve been waiting 
for this opportunity, to speak to you. 

Constance.—(With surprise.) To me? 

Ralph.—Yes, with your leave? (Enter Valentine she 
stands at Gate and listens.) 

Constance_Why, what can you have to say to me? 

R tlph.—You are Ronal Earl’s sister? 

Constance.—Well ? 

Ralph.—I am told your brother loves you as he does his 

life! 

Constance.—And I, love him the same! 

Ralph._Good! then you do not want to see him broken- 

undone! 

Constance.—I don’t understan you; 

23 


Ralph_You were present during the quarrel lase even¬ 

ing, you remember the words of your Father Lord Earle? 

Constance.—Yes, that if Ronal Opposes his wishes, he 
will shut him from his heart, and home forever’ (Hides 
her face in hands.) 

Ralph_Exactly, and Lord Earle will keep his word un¬ 

less— 

Constance.—Unless, what? 

Ralph.—Uuless, we can bring young Ronal to his senses, 
and prevent his marriage with Dora Thorne! 

Constance_That is just what we are all trying to do— 

but I fear it can’t be done. 

Ralph_(Quickly.) Yes, it can, you yourself can do it! 

Constance.—(Rises quickly.) Me? 

Ralph.—Yes, you—Your brother is the son of an Earl, 
and has an Earl’s pride. He would never marry a dis¬ 
honest girl, no matter how deep his love might be—you are 
his sister, he loves you and would believe you— 

Constance_Go on. 

Ralph_(Quickly.) Well, tell him that Dora Thorne is 

not a pure girl, that you have seen and know she is my 
mis- 

Constance_(Strikes him a ringing slap on the face.) 

(He recoils.) You filthy minded scoundrel—you beast—you 
might as well ask me to blacken the character of my Angel 
Mother. 

Ralph.—It’s the only w'ay to save him! 

Constance.—Then he will be lost! Tho’ Heaven knows I 
love him as I love my life—I had rather follow him to his 
grave, than break his heart with that black lie! 

Ralph—(Sneers.) Lie! how do you know it’s a lie? 

Constance.—Because my womans instinct tells me so. 
Dora Thorne is as pure as an Angel from above—and if 
Ronal decides to wed her, I shall do all in my power to 
further his life’s happiness. (Threatens.) Oh’ it is well, you 
are leaving Earlescourt to-day, for were I to publish the 
insult you have offered to the Daughter of Lord Earle, the 
county folks w'ould tear you to pieces! 

Ralph.—(Kneels to her.) Forgive me, Lady Constance, it 
w’as my great love for Dora that prompted me. 

Constance—Oh’ you need not fear. I shall not denounce 
you. (Crosses to door at cottage Left.) But, your absolute 
safety, is miles from here, and remember that Earle Manor 
is ruled by a stern but honest Lord, who does not soon for¬ 
get an insult! (Exits door in cottage.) 

Ralph.—Very well, my fine lady, I gave you the chance 
to save him, and you spurned me like a dog—Just the same 
your handsome brother will never marry Dora Thorne! 
(Valentine comes down center and is at Right and behind 
him.) 

Valentine—No? Why are you so sure, my good man? 

Ralph_That’s my business! 

Valentine.—(Laughs quietly.) Oh’ I see, because Miss 


24 



Earle has repulsed you, you are at outs with all the world, 
eh? 

Ralph.—Then you know—you have heard? 

Valentine.—Everything. (Laughs.) You took the wrong 
course my good man! 

Ralph.—Perhaps! With meaning.) 

Valentine.—You should have remembered the old adage— 
••As the Father, so is the son” that also applies to the 
daughter! 

Ralph.—Yes, the dammed aristocrats are all alike! 

Valentine.—Not all, my good man. I am an aristocrat, 
but am always alive to the fact, that self preservation is 
the first law of nature—consequently, I know what your 
suffering must be! 

Ralph.—(Watches her keenly.) My suffering? 

Valentine_Certainly! You love Dora Thorne, do you 

not? 

Ralph.—Yes, so much, that I have taken a solem oath to 
kill the man who takes her from me! 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) Oh’ dear, how like a dime novelist 
you do talk! (Quickly.) You poor fool, this is the time for 
strategy, not bluster! 

Ralph_What do you mean? 

Valentine_I mean that Dora Thorne will be lost to you 

forever, unless something quick and decisive is done to 
tear her from the heart of Ronal Earle. 

Ralph_That’s why I’ve sworn to have the life of the man 

who takes her from me—Because every other card I have 
played, has failed. 

Valentine.—Perhaps, but I have not played my hand— 

Ralph._Yours, so then you are in the game eh? And what 

is the stake you play for? 

Valentine.—(Recovering herself.) (Coldly.) You have no 
right to question me sir! 

Ralph_(Angrily.) Why, havn’t I—you have hashed over 

my love for Dora Thorne, and with out clean gloves either 

_Oh’ I’m not such a fool as you seem to think me. (Goes 

to her quickly and hisses in her ear.) It ain’t likely that a 
fine lady like you is going to enter a game of hearts between 
two commoners like Dora Thorne and my self, with out—- 
(Pause.) I’ve got it, the stake you play for, is the heart of 
Ronal Earle! 

Valentine._(Seizes his arm.) Hush, man for God’s sake 

hush! 

Ralph.—Ah’ then, it’s true! 

Valentine._Yes, I am ashamed of it, but if I am to help 

you_vou must swear to keerp my secret! 

Ralph.—All right my lady. I see you’ve got a good hand, 
and know how to play it—you and me will be partners in 
this game, and we’ll win of lose together, now then, what’s 
your lead? 

Valentine_You are going to London, are you not? 

Ralph—Yes, to-day! 


25 


in this matter, Ronal Earle and Dora Thorne must be sep¬ 
arated at once! 

Ralph.—Yes! 

Valentine.—There is not a moment to lose—you hover 
about the grounds, until you see me return from the Manor, 
and enter the Rose Arbor, then come to me. 

Ralph.—What for? 

Valentine.—For letters of instructions, which you must 
deliver to an address in London, Should anything happen, 
and you do not find the person tear the letter open and 
send the telegrams which will be enclosed to Ronal Earl, 
Earlscourt. Here is money. (Gives him purse.) Spare no 
expense, but deliver the letter instantly upon your arrival 
in London. (Starts up to gate.) 

Ralph.—But, how will that bring my Dora back to me? 

Valentine.—I cannot tell you now. (Faces him.) Listen, 
Ralph Holt! I stoop to this intrigue, only for the reason, 
that our cause is a common one. You shall know what 1 
wish you to know, and no more. Is it agreed? If not, I will 
go no further! 

Ralph.—All right my lady. It’s hard to work in the dark 
—but I would go blind fold through hell, for my Dora. 

Valentine.—Good. Keep out of sight, I will leave you 
now’ to prepare the letters or instructions. (Exits through 
gate L. U. E.) 

Ralph.—(Follows up to gate and w’atches her off.) All 
right mam! Oh’ it takes a woman to think out the fine 
points, I w’onder what her game really is? Never mind, I’ll 
stick to it whatever it is, so long as it gives me back my 
Dora. But if it fails, then God Help Ronal Earle for I’ll 
kill him. (He starts through the gate and meets the Cap¬ 
tain who is trying to pass down, they jam and stick in the 
Gate way.) 

Cap.—Oh’ I say, lellow, shove over cawnt you—I’m on 
special juty don’t cher know? 

Ralph.—No, how should I know, no one told me! 

Cap_Well I am really! 

Ralph_Well, does it hurt you? (Steps aside.) 

Cap_(Going down center through gate.) Does what hurt? 

me? 

Ralph.—Why, that special juty thing! 

Cap.—Well-Er-Not exactly, tho’ it is a little trying on the 
legs how’ever. 

Ralph_(Sarcastically.) What legs? 

Cap.—My legs don’t cher know’? 

Ralph—(Laughs.) Why, you don’t call them things legs 
do you? 

Cap.—Of course, what do you think they are? 

Ralph_(Sizes him up.) Well from the looks of it from 

the ground up, I think the whole bloomin’ thing is a joke! 

Cap.—What? 

Ralph_Oh’ go do the milking. (Laughs loudlv and exits 

R. U. E.) 


26 


Cap—Milking—So Constance has spread that cow busi¬ 
ness all over the county has she? (Noise of Bull outside R. 
Bell, and Bellow.) (He appears frightened.) Heavens! that’s 
my que to climb a tree. (He runs off r. 2. E.) 

Constance.—(Enters from Door in Cottage.) Gracious me, 
what can be the matter with the cattle I wonder? I hope 
it is’nt the Captain in trouble again! (Cap. Appears at R. 
2. E.) 

Cap.—Well, you’ve got your hope all right, Miss Con¬ 
stance—You have really! 

Constance.—(Coldly.) Really? 

Cap.—Yes, ’pon honor, don’t cher know! 

Constance—,Commands) Attention, Captain Dumleigh! 
(Cap. Salutes and comes to attention.) Have you executed 
the commission I intrusted to you? 

Cap.—To the best of my ability, General-ress! 

Constance—And have you found Ronal Earl? 

Cap.—I am sorry to state that my efforts as Spy have 
failed! ’ 

Constance.—You’re a bum spy! 

Cap.—(Horrified.) A what? 

Constance_(Laughs.) Well, that’s what my American 

girl friends, at college used to say—and do you know Cap¬ 
tain, I rather like the slang as adopted by the Americans, 
it puts one so much at ease (Imitates.) don’t cher know! 
It’s so expressive, it is really! And now that I am home for 
my vacation, I intend to drop all rules of decorum, a!|d 
have a good time, and if you and I are to be friends, you've 
got to stand for it! 

Cap.—Stand for it? 

Constance.—Bet-cher Boots! 

Cap.—What sort of- 

Constance.—You—Back to the Ribbon counter. 

Cap.—Why I don’t understand, Really! 

Constance_Aw’ come down, get your trading stamps to¬ 

gether. 

Cap.—But Miss Constance, I beg you to listen. 

Constance_Not for mine! 

Cap.—But, I want to ask you— 

Constance.—Aw’ cut it out! 

Cap.—Cut what out? 

Constance.—You—to the forget house—the fool factory— 
See? 

Cap._(Losing patience.) Well, -what the H—11, (Catches 

himself.) What’s the matter with you? 

Constance.—(Laughs.) Oh’ that was fine Captain, it was 
so manly! 

Cap._Manly, temporary insanity, I assure you, really! 

Constance.—Then, you must remain Mad. And youve got 
to drop that monocle (Jerks it from his eye.) And you’ve 
got to drop all those Army affectations—and the Don’t cher 
know—and the really—and all the rest ’pon honor! 

Cap.—But Miss Constance— 

27 



Constance_Now, don’t argue, my mind is made up, and 

that ends it. 

Cap_(Falls on bench.) Well I’ll be damned! 

Constance_(Laughs.) That’s good, you are doing well! 

Cap.—Do you really mean, you do not care for the highly 
figures of speech—Miss Constance? 

Constance_I mean that I want you to be a man, in every 

sense of the word, not a rediculous army fop—that’s what 
I mean. 

Cap._Oh’ what a relief! (Changes instantly to a robust 

light comedy.) Say, do you know, you’ve taken a ton of 
weight off me? 

Constance.—No, really? (Steps on his foot.) 

Cap.—Yes, and now kindly oblige me further, and take 
another hundred and thirty pounds off my foot. 

Constance_Oh’ Captain— 

Cap.—Oh’ fudge. 

Constance_But, I’m sorry— 

Cap.—Aw* you—back to the chewing gum works? 

Constance.—But you will forgive me? 

Cap_Not for mine, I won’t stand for it. (Limps as in 

pain.) 

Constance.—(Loughs.) That’s fine, I see you are going 
to be a champion good fellow, and a dandy companion. 

Cap_Dandy? Not on your natural, did’nt you just tell 

me to cut out the Dandy? 

Constance.—Certainly, I mean you are going to be fine 
and daisy. 

Cap_(Disgusted.) Say, what kind of talk have you any 

way? 

Constance.—Rag time! 

Cap.—Sounds more like Jag time. (Appears angry.) Now’, 
you’ve got me doing it! 

Constance.—(Laughs.) Well, that’s all right! 

Cap.—No it is’nt. Just fancy Lord Earle, Ronal and Lady 
Charteris, when they hear me. 

Constance_Well, you need’nt turn brute, just because 

I w’ant you to be like other men. 

Cap.—Well, I’m going to be a brute for just long enough 
to tell you, that you are the dearest, sw'eetest, little woman 
in all the world—(Advances to embrace her.) 

Constance.—(Commands) Attention! Captain Dumleigh 
(Comes to attention and salutes) you are out of order, and 
in the presence of a superior officer! 

Cap_Well, if you can take liberties with my Army Rules 

so can I. It’s a poor rule that don’t work both w’ays. I love 
you! de you hear? (Shouts.) I love you, like any other 
man— 

Constance.—What! 

Cap_No, no! I mean I love you like a real live man—and 

unless you consent to be my wife, your Captain Dumleigh 
will soon be a candidate for the Nutterv, or—or, sitting on 
the edge of a wet cloud blowing a tin horn! 

28 


Constance.—(Haughtily)Sir,you presume upon our friend¬ 
ship!— 

Cap—(Impatiently.) Friendship, the devil! (Catches him¬ 
self.) I beg your pardon, but hav’nt I loved you ever since 
we were old enough to fight over a chocolate? Did’nt. I pur¬ 
chase a commission in the Queens Own, and all for you? 
Hav'nt I been making an ass of myself all these months, 
just because I thought it woul please you? And now on top 
it all off, I suddenly reform, and become an expert prefessor 
in the art of slang and brutal speech, only to have you 
refer to my deep love, as a friendship. A poor, measly, 
miserly, despisedly friendship. But you shant hand me that 
sister thing! (Starts up stage to gate.) Fare-well! 

Constance—(Quickly.) Oh’ Captain, where are you going! 

Cap.—It’s me to the Hog Waller. Dramatically.)'And when 
you see my bloated corpse, remember it was your cruelty 
which drove me to the base act—Farewell! (Exits through 
gate R. U. E.) 

Constance.—(Calls after him.) Hurry back! Well, that’s 
the greatest surprise I ever experienced, and I always be¬ 
lieved him a born fop, and all this time he has been acting 
—But I’m hungry, and I’m going into the Lodge and get 
something to eat, for I can’t look upon a bloated corpse, 
on an empty stomach. (Exits in Cottage.) (Enter Captain.) 
(at gate.) 

Cap—Well, what do you think of that? Oh’ I think I 
stand well, I tell the girl I love, that I am going to commit 
suiside, and she immediately has an attack of ingrowing 
appetite. (Looks off R. U. E.) Hello, here comes the 
missing civilian Ronal Earle, and in company with the 
Lodge keeper’s daughter. Here’s a chance to win a feather 
for my cap, and square myself with Constance. (Retires 
to R. 2* E.) 

Ronal.—(Enters with Dora Thorne through Gate in cen¬ 
ter they go down R. to Bench.) There little wife, sit. down, 
I know you must be tired. 

Dora.—No, Ronal, But something seems to tell me that 
our marriage will never prove a mistake. 

Ronal.—A mistake, Why Dora don’t you trust me? 

Dora.—Yes, with all the confidence of my selfish love. 

Ronal.—Selfish love, Dora— 

Dora.—Yes, Ronal selfish love—it was only when the 
vicar pronounced the words, “Love, Honor and Obey” that 
the enormity of it all flashed over me. It was only then 
that I realized the awful height to which you had lifted me. 
Then came the Words “I pronounce you man and wife.” 
Words that gave me your name, words that made me Lady 
Earle and plunged me so suddenly into a state of choas. 
For how can I, unfit as I am, hope to fill the evaulted posi¬ 
tion, as your wife. (Weeps on his shoulder.) 

Ronal.—There, there little wife, you magnify that which 
in reality is nothing, you are nervous, the ordeal has been 
too much for you, a good rest and you will see things in 

29 


a different light. 

Dora_No, Ronal, can’t you see, even though your Father 

should relent, and take me to his heart, it would only 
make my task the harder, for then he would install me at 
Earle Manor as it’s Mistress, and expect me to rule his 
house like a born lady of the Realm. 

Ronal_Well, what is there so terrible in that? 

Dora.—Everything, How can I, uneducated, uncooth and 
ignorant of the usages of society, hope to please him, you 
too would soon learn my faults, and despise me! 

Ronal.—Dora, in heaven’s name, w’hat are you thinking 
of? 

Dora.—The possible loss of your great love, Ronal, that 
would kill me. 

Ronal.—Then listen to me! I learned to love you for 
yourself alone, and am ready to make any sacrifice to the 
honest fulfillment of a true husband's duty to the wife of 
his heart. The same words of the Vicar, w'hich frightened 
you, and perhaps sever me from all family ties, only make 
me stronger in my resolution to make you the happiest 
dttle woman in the world, in spite of father, friends or 
the Throne of England. 

Dora_(Nestles to him.) Oh’ Ronal! 

Ronal.—Becides there is little fear that Lord Earle 
vill impose upon us the care of Earl Manor, But if he 
slioulu— 

Dora_Yes, yes? 

Ronal.—He will not find my wife, Lady Earl, wanting 
in knowledge, necessary to the management of his house. 

Dora.—Why Ronal, what do you mean? 

Ronal—I mean that you are going to school as it were. 
I mean that I will assemble the greatest ladies in the land, 
to the aid of my brave little Lady Earle, ladies who will 
find a pleasure in teaching her all the terrible customs, that 
now frighten her. 

Dora.—(Quickly.) Oh’ Ronal, and do you think me capa¬ 
ble—do you believe I could learn to be a real lady? 

Ronal—(Laughs.) Why, of course, you are a real lady 
now, only you don’t know' it. 

Dora.—Then you shall see how quickly I will learn, I’ll 
study so hard, if you w r ill only promise to be patient with 
me, and not hold me in comparison with the grand ladies 
who teach me! 

Ronal—(Laughs.) What, not jealous so soon, oh’ shame! 

Dora.—(Seriously.) Yes, Ronal, I am jealous, my love 
for you is so selfish a look given to another would make of 
me a demon. You do not understand, you can not see the 
hours of abject misery, the numberless sneers and gibes, 
the poor lodge keeper’s daughter must endure, before she 
can ever hope to fight back. 

Ronal_Fight back, with whom? 

Dora.—The grand Ladies with w-hom I shall have to asso¬ 
ciate, with whom I will be compelled to measure every femi- 

30 


nine point, and best them to hold your love! 

Ronal.—Why little girl, hav’nt I proved my great love for 
you? 

Dora.—Yes, Ronal, you are my honest husband now—and 
it is too keep you as such that I want you to promise_ 

Ronal—Promise what, little one? 

Dora—Promise that you will be patient with me, that 
you will not allow my ignorance, and short comings to drive 
you lo seek in another, that which you fail to find in me. 
That you will always love me first. 

Ronal—Why, little wife, I will give you that promise, 
gladly. I promise to love, cherish and honor you as my 
lady wife, so long as life shall last. And now, I must leave 
you foi a time, Lord Earle must not be kept longer in ignor¬ 
ance of our marriage. 

Dora—Oh’ Ronal how I dread this interview. 

Ronal.—I know it will be stormy, but honor demands that 
my Father be informed. (Enter Cap. at Entrancesnd R ) 
So come kiss me and wish me good luck! (They embrace. > 

Cap—“Consistancy thou art a jewel.” Now, had he done 
that yesterday she would have slapped his face, (Aside.) 
Maybe. And now he refuses, the gentle offices, as care taker 
of the kissing works, she will claw his eyes out. (They are 
still in close embrace.) Oh’ this is getting too warm for 
comfort—(Goes down behind thef and places hand on Ron- 
als shoulder.) Oh’ I say! You are arrested, don’t cher know, 
really! 

Ronal.—(Releases Dora She gives a little scream and goes 
down R.) (Laughs.) Well, Captain, how long nave you been 
here ? 

Cap.—Ever since the warm spell set in, don’t cher know? 
But you must come with me to headquarters! 

Ronal.—What Headquarters? 

Cap.—The General-ress’s headquarters. I have been de¬ 
tailed upon the special juty of finding you and delivering 
you to the General, upon forfeit of my life—and life has 
grown suddenly very sweet to me—'pon honor, don’t cher 
know? 

Ronal.—Well, I will willingly go with you when I have 
discharged a very pressing obligation to my honor, in the 
meantime will you please have the goodness, to remember 
that Dora is present. Besides since I am arrested I wish my 
father to know the charges, so please go to the Manor and 
ask Lord Earle to grant me an interview here at once, say 
to him that it is of vital importance. 

Cap.—Oh’ Say, what am I around here any way, a Patsy? 

Ronal.—No Captain, you are the best fellow in the world. 
(Slaps him soundly on back.) (The Captain staggers.) 

Cap.—Here, chop that off—I mean cut it out, I may be the 
best fellow but I’m not the toughest. Really! 

Ronal.—(Laughs.) I beg your pardon. Old Chap, I do 
really! 

Cap._That’s all right old bounder, and I’ll run your er- 

3i 


rand to Lord Earl, If you will give me your word that I 
shall find you here upon ray retprn. 

Ronal.—Certainly, Captain, I could not stay long away 
from Dora you know. 

Cap—All right, I’m off—(Commanding himself,) (Shou's 
as though giving orders to a regiment.) Attention! About 
face, (Turns about up stage.) Forward march! (He whistles 
British Grenadiers and marches to his own music up to 
gate, when there he pauses and turns face down Stage.) Oh’ 
I say, this is an American Army, that’s the wrong tune is’nt 
it? (Whistles Yankee Doodle and exits L. U. E. Through 
gate.) 

Dora.—Oh’ is’nt he funny? (Goes to Ronal.) 

Ronal.—Very amusing, but the best fellow in all the 
world. And nothing would give me more pleasure, than to 
own him for a brothr in law. But I fancy Lord Earle will 
not be long in granting my request, so you must excuse me 
for a few moments, I have much to think about. 

Dora.—But Ronal, you will be careful not to excite your 
Father to anger, he is far from well you know! 

Ronal.—Yes, dear, I shall simply Inform him, that we are 
legallyq married, and of course ask his forgiveness. 

Dora.—Very well, I will be in the cottage should you 
want me. (Kisses him quickly and exits langhlng into cot¬ 
tage.) 

Ronal.—Ah’ could Father only know Dora as I do, I am 
sure all would be well. But I am satisfied he will never 
forgive me, and that means comparative poverty. Still I 
have on allowance of three hundred pounds, which will 
serve to keep us from actual want, besides ray brush will be 
some benefit—for once society learn that Ronal Earle the 
cast off son of Lord Rupert Earle, is earning a living 
through painting, there is little doubt my pictures will sell 
freely, bad as they m^.y be—I think I’ll take a turn down 
the road. (Exits R. 1 . E.) 

Stephen_(Enters through gate center followed by 

Ralph.) So So Lad, ye be goin’ oop to Lunnon th’ dey be ye? 

Ralph.—Yes. 

Stephen.—But ye’ll nare stop away all th’ time Lad, I 
take it? 

Ralph—Yes, I'm going away for all time. 

Stephen—Oh’ tush, tush, lad! that be no way to talk 
to yer ole’ friend! 

Ralph—I have few friends here, and the sooner I for¬ 
get them, and they me the better. 

Stephen—Ays, lad mayhap yer reet, for thy heart must 
be a sore one. 

Ralph—Yes, so sore that I have sworn to kill the man 
who takes Dora Thorne from me! 

Stephen—Now, hark ye, Ralph Holt; (Grows angry and 
rises to the speech.) If my Dora hae’ thrown ye over, it be 
in the course o’ nater and because the lass, be honest in her 
love for another, that other be Ronal Earle, an’ if ye do 

32 


him injury, ye’ll break my Dora’s heart. 

Ralph.—As he has broken mine—I tell you again, if Ronal 
Earle steals my Dora I’ll kill him! 

Stephen.—An’ if ye do, I’ll kill thee! (Pause.) Oh’ I be 
ole’ but I’ll keep my oath so secure as ye keep thine. My 
Dora’s happiness is more to me than my hopes o’ hereafter. 
I would hae’ been glad to see the lass thy honest wife, and 
believe it would hae’ been better for all, but she hae’ chosen 
otherwise, it be no fault o’ her's, your fight Is wi’ the powers 
above wot rules, the hearts o’ women, so go thy ways, an’ 
leave my Dora alone! 

Ralph.—(Sneers.) So, honest Stephen Thorne has turned 
traitor too eh? 

Stephen.—What! (Attempts to clutch Ralph at the 
throat.) No, no, I be as mad as thou—(Going to door.) 
Ye’ll be sorry for th’ words some day lad, (At Door in Cot¬ 
tage.) I will not quarrel ’ith ye but tel’t ye be careful what 
ye do, and remember that Stephen Thorne never breaks his 
word—Go, lad, and peace be wi’ ye! (Exits.) 

Ralph—Peace be with me? (Laughs.) Bah’ the old hypo¬ 
crite, (Starts up stage to gate.) (Enter Valentine.) 

Valentine.—(Quietly.) Are you alone? 

Ralph.—Yes, have you got everything ready? 

Valentine.—Yes, but you had better wait, I just met 
Captain Dumleigh, on his way to the Manor, he told me that 
Ronal had requested an interview with his Father here at 
the Lodge. 

Ralph_Well, what’s that got to do with me going to 

London? 

Valentine_Perhaps nothing, yet it means a great deal 

to our cause, at any rate I think it best to wait until the in¬ 
terview is over, you step aside for a time, I will meet Lord 
Rupert and manage in some way to be present when the in¬ 
terview takes place! 

Ralph.—All right, I guess you know best. But I’ll be 
where I can see you all the time. 

Valentine.—As you please, but go now. 

Ralph.—All right, I’m off! (Exits R. 2 nd E.) 

Valentine.—Nov/, to meet Lord Rupert, this game will 
need careful handling, but I am playing for my love and I’ll 
win! (Exits through gate L. U. E.) 

Constance.—(Enters from Cottage.) I wonder if the Cap¬ 
tain's corpse has come to the surface yet. (Goes up to gate 
looks L.) I hav’nt heard any alarm, Why there comes Fath¬ 
er and Valentine Charteris, and my Bloated Corpse of a 
Captain bringing up the rear. I’ll just get back into the 
cottage until they have gone away. (Runs quickly back 
into Cottage.) 

Valentine._(Enters with Lord Rupert who has her arm 

they come through gate and down to center.) Your son 
was here a moment ago, he cannot be far away. 

Lord E.—(Looks blackly at Cottage.) No further than 
beyond the portal of that accursed door, I’ll wager! 

33 


Valentine_(Sauvely.) Pardon my seeming presumption 

Lord Rupert, But I feel it my duty to solicit your leinency 
for Ronal and this misguided girl, and— 

Lord E_(Sternly.) I am sorry to appear rude to you Val¬ 

entine, you upon whom I had looked as a future daughter, 
But 1 can not allow you to interfere in this matter! 

Valentine_As you please your Lordship, only you should 

remember that Ronal is In truth his father’s son, possessing 
a goodly share of will power, that will I am sure reduce 
itself under proper handling. Ronal is very young you 
know Lord Earle. Besides it is not so bad after all, Dora 
Thorne, is for from the ordinary person of low ^irth. She 
is pretty, good, with a sweet disposition, why not take her 
to your heart as your daughter, place her at the head of 
your household? 

Lord E.—What! place that low born creature in the posi¬ 
tion of a Lady of the Realm, 

Valentine.—Why not? With the proper surroundings she 
would soon learn—we will all become teachers if neces¬ 
sary— 

Lord E.—Stop Valentine, I command you. You are mad 
to think of such a thing, but it is what I should have ex¬ 
pected from you, Oh’ had my son chosen you, instead of 
wrecking my hopes and ambitions. 

Valentine.—Ambitions Lord Earle? 

Lord E.—Aye, ambitions, through my son I had hoped to 
fill the honorable place in Parliment, that has been so long 
vacant, because of my ill-health. Through him I had hoped 
to see a long line of honorable decendants of my house, 
bred from the best families in England, your family and 
mine! 

Valentine.—(With affected surprise.) My family. Lord 
Earle? 

Lord E.—Yes, your family. I will no longer disguise the 
fact, that I assembled the company of Earle Manor in the 
hope of announcing Ronals engagement to you Valentine. 

Valentine_I? 

Lord E.—Yes, I was lead to think that you were the wom¬ 
an of his choice. 

Valentine.—Did he tell you this? 

Lord E.—Not in so many words, but I infered from watch¬ 
ing his movements when in your company,—Movements 
that were base lies, actions that I blush to recall, for I know 
you must have mis-understood them the same as I. 

Valentine.—I pray you Lord Earl, give yourself no con¬ 
cern on my account. I am deeply grateful for the honor 
you have just done me, and as deeply regret that your 
wishes could not have been fulfilled, but you see it was not 
to be. 

Lord E.—I am not su sure of that—if I can but separate 
them for a time! 

Valentine_Oh’ But that would be cruel! 

Lord E_It would be just, and it shall be done if possi- 

34 


ble, to that purpose I will ask you to have the goodness to 
ask Stephen Thorne to come to me here, if you please. 

Valentine.—Certainly Lord Earle. But I am sure that 
once you know this dear creature you will take her to your 
heart! (Laughs aside and exits in door of cottage.) 

Lord E—Not while life shall last. 

Stephen.—(Enters from Cottage.) You sent for me me 

lud? 

Lord E—Yes, how long have you been in my service 
Stephen Thorne? 

Stephen_Forty year, coom nex’ Michelmas, yer Ludship! 

Lord E.—Correct. And in all that time, have I ever 
treated you other than fairly? 

Stephen_Nay, me Lud, ye hae’ been the best and kindest 

o’ masters! 

Lord E.—And how have you repaid me? 

Stephen.—By ginnin’ ye honest labor for honest pay—I 
’ope sir! 

Lord E.—And worming yourself into the heart of my 
family, to turn and sting me in the dark. 

Stephen.—Me Lud! 

Lord E_But your poison shall not reach, I warn you! 

I shall frustrate your schemes. 

Stephen.—Schemes, your ludship? 

Lord E.—Aye, schemes and low down tricks to entrap 
my Son Ronal into marriage with your ill bred daughter. 

Stephen.—(Angry.) Take care Lud-Earle, take care! 

Lord E_What! not content with aiding and abetting, 

this disgraceful thing you now dare to threaten, a Lord of 
the Land? 

Stephen.—No, but were ye ten times a Lord, with a 
thousan’ times th’ power O’ A King, I'd tell’t ye—ye lie! 

Lord E.—What! (Rises and flourishes cane.) 

Stephen—Aye, when ye say I ’elped ’em in their courtin’ 
ye lie. I be an honest man, an’ for forty year, hae’ served 
ye like a slave. My little Dora be all the world to me, an’ 
I hae’ too much sense, ever to want her life made misera¬ 
ble by such a thing. 

Lord E.—Miserable, you old scoundrel? 

Stephen_Aye, miserable! D’ye think I hae’ lived under 

yer iron rule all these years, an’ don’t know ye now—D’ye 
think I be a fool because I be poor? No Lord Earle, if your 
son Ronal be false to your wishes because o’ my Dora, it 
be the act o’ heaven, not mine. 

Lord E._What! Do you mean to say, you did not know of 

his attachment for your daughter. 

Stephen—Aye, end more, didn’t ye hear the lad Ralph 
Holt, demand my Dora yisterday, in fulfillment o’ my prom¬ 
ise that she should be ’is wife? 

Lord E._I_I_do remember some thing of the kind. 

Well? 

Stephen—Well, ’ee be the lad as I counted on since ee 
wuz a baby, with him a ’usband of my Dora, I could ha d 

35 


a home in their hearts forever, an’ do ye think I would 
scheme to make myself a wanderer o’ th’ face o’ th’ earth, 
for that’s what I must be, did my Dora marry young Lord 
Ronal? 

Lord E.—And do you mean to tell me, that all the time 
my son has been running after your daughter, and right 
under your very nose, that you have been in ignorance of 
the fact. 

Stephen.—I hae’ loved young Ronal since ’ee were in 
swadlin’ clouts—Year, after year I hae’ watched him grow 
up to the fine splendid gentleman ’ee now is—an’ do ye 
think I mistrusted ’im, the on’y son o’ ’is proud Fayther? 

Lord E.—The old fellow is right. Ronal has deceived him 
as well as me. (Going over to Stephen.) Stephen Thorne I 
believe you, also that you desire this marriage no more than 
I! 

Stephen_No, your ludship, for I be sure no good will 

come of it—But if it be a fastened love, I’ll nare oppose it 
ane way or 'tother. If my little girl’s happiness be in the 
keep o’ Ronal Earle, I’ll bide by it, and work and slave for 
her like I promised to do! 

Lord E_Where is Dora? 

Stephen.—In the Lodge yer Ludship! 

Lord E_I’ll talk to her; perhaps when I have explained 

to her, she will give evidence of possessing more sense 
than we give her credit for. 

Stephen.—(Going to Cottage door.) As ye say, me lud— 
as ye say. (Both Exit in door in cottage.) 

Ralph.—(Enters from R. 2 . E.) Curse the luck, there is 
hardly time left to catch the train for London. What keeps 
her I wonder? (Enter Valentine from door in Cottage.) (He 
Sees Her.) Ah' there you are! 

Valentine_(Crossing over to him quickly.) Yes, is there 

still time for you to catch the train? 

Ralph.—Yes, but no time left to talk about it! 

Valentine.—Here is the envelope addressed to Chester 
Glyndon, enclosed is the telegram I' wish him to send to 
Earle. (Gives him envelope.) And, this one contains instruc¬ 
tions for you how to locate Glyndon upon your arrival in 
London. Go now and don’t fail! 

Ralph.—Oh’ you can trust me all right. (Exits quickly 
R. 2- E.) 

Valentine.—Good, now ever though Lord Earl’s plan 
should fail, I will win in spite of all. (Laughs heartily.) 

Cap_(Enters from L. U. E. to gate.) (At gate.) Oh’ 

I say Miss Charteris, what’s the joke, eh? 

Valentine.—(Shows fright.) Oh’ Why—er—How long have 
you been here? 

Cap_Just came this moment, I assure you! 

Valentine.—(Aside.) Thank Heaven! Then you were not in 
time to see that poor fellow fall down? 

Cap.—What poor fellow? 

Valentine.—Why, he that is running there toward the 

36 


station. (Points R. 2 E.) Trying to catch the train for Lon¬ 
don I fancy! 

Cap.—Well, he had better save his wind. He could’nt 
catch that train for London with a Quarter Horse! 

Valentine.—(Much Concerned. No, Why? 

Cap.—Because it’s gone! (Valentine starts.) Why, what’s 
the matter Miss Charteris? 

Valentine—Nothing, I was only thinking, what a disap¬ 
pointment it is, to arrive at a station, and find the train 
just gone! 

Cap—Oh’ that’s nothing when you get used to it! I’ve 
been chasing after a train ever since I was knee high to a 
duck, and hav’nt caught it yet! 

Valentine—Indeed Captain. What train? 

Cap.—Miss Constance Earl, if you don’t mind—thank 
you kindly! 

Valentine.—Now Captain, you don't mean to tell me, your 
engagement is’nt settled? 

Cap.—The debt has never been contracted, to say nothing 
of being settled. 

Valentine.—Why, I thought that was all understood, and 
have been daily expecting the announcement. But look here 
is Lord Ronal, let us join him and you shall tell me all 
about your love affairs—you know I am a perfect match 
maker. (He takes her arm and they exit R. 1 . E.) 

Lord E—(Enters from Cottage followed by Dora.) I am 
sorry to put you to this trouble my girl, but I could not 
speak before my daughter Constance, and your Father! 
Wont you be seated? (Offers Bench.) 

Dora.—Thank you Lord Earl! (She sits.) (He goes to end 
of bench.) 

Lord E.—Do not be frightened my child, the storm of 
yesterday is past. I wish you to know it is not the Lord of 
Earlescourt who speaks to you now, but a fond and loving 
father, whose very life is centered in an only son and heir 
a son who to satisfy a boyish passion would break his fath¬ 
ers heart—Do you listen? 

Dora.—Yes,yes, Oh’ Heaven! (Her head falls on arms on 
bench she sobs softly.) 

Lord E.—While I have no wish to cause you pain, it is 
nevertheless my duty as the Father of Ronal Earle to save 
my son from a life of never ending regret—which is sure 
to be the outcome of his mad love for you, for mad it is 
you will agree! 

Dora.—Yes, yes, but what can I do? 

Lord E.—Give him up—tell him he must forget you! 

Dora.—He will not obey! 

Lord E._Then you must leave him—go -where he will 

never find you! 

Dora._Oh’ not that—not that! you don’t know what you 

d.slt t 

Lord E.—I know the trial will be severe. But remember 
I have said if he opposes my wishes in this matter, I will 

37 


cast him from my heart and home, and the word of Lord 
Rupert Earle has never been broken, nor will 1 break it 
in this case. If he marries you he will be a pauper. How 
then can you expect to retain his love, when he has neither 
hearth nor home, and all through you? On the other hand, 
do as I wish, and I will settle a handsome sum upon you, 
a sum more than sufficient to provide ample comfort for 
yourself and father. 

Dora_(Rises.) What, purchase ease and comfort at the 

price of his heart’s happiness! No, if it be my duty to for¬ 
sake his love, then I will find a way, but spare me any 
more insults! 

Lord E_If I appear harsh, forgive me. Remember only 

the over burdened heart which pleads with you to save my 
son. 

Dora.—And all this because fate drew the social line at 
my birth—Because of the difference in our stations, you 
would forget that God intended all men to be equal. You 
would defy the natural law, and stab innocent people to the 
heart, and then hope to heal the cruel wound with your ac¬ 
cursed gold! 

Lord E_But my child you don’t understand! 

Dora.—Yes, I do understand—I understand that you are 
heartless, that in your selfish desire to protect your boasted 
pride, and grand name you would sacrifice your son’s hap¬ 
piness, upon the altar of his love! 

Lord E_But— 

Dora.—Enough—you may spare yourself any more words. 
I see and know my duty. Oh’ God help me! 

Lord E_(Quickly.) And you will do as I require? 

Dora.—Yes, because I love Ronal Earle too well, to see 
him thrown upon the world a pauper, by the father whose 
first duty should be to secure his son’s happiness—Yes, I 
will go, and at once! 

Lord E.—It is not necessary that you depart at once, to¬ 
morrow— 

Dora.—Tomorrow will be too late, you do not know Ronal 
Earle. See, he is there in the Maples, (Points R. 2 . E.) And 
may return at any moment, no, there is not a moment to 
lose. (Crosses to door at Cottage.) And when he finds I 
have gone, without a word, no explanation, he will curse 
me. (Sobs.) 

Lord E.—(Goes over to her.) But only for a time my child, 
when the heat of his mad love has cooled, his curses will 
turn to blessings! 

Dora.—Then promise me, that some day you will tell him 
the truth, don't—please don’t let him despise me forever, 
promise— 

Lord E.—I do—I promise, in return for the sacrifice you 
are about to make, I will some day clear your name! 

Dora—I am satisfied. Just a few things for my imme¬ 
diate needs, and I will go! 

Lord E.—Bless you my child, bless you. 

38 


Dora—(Aside.) Oh’ Ronal my husband forgive me! (Exits 
in cottage.) (Captain, Valentine and Ronal Laugh outside 
R. l. E.) 

Lord E—Ah’ there is Ronal now in company with Valen¬ 
tine, that’s a good omen, and they are coming this way. 
(Sets on bench.) I hope the young hot head will be sensible. 

Cap—This is no time for levity young people, you are 
both under arrest for desertion, and desertion is a serious 
charge I can tell you. 

Lord E—What do you say, Captain Dumleigh? 

Cap—I said your lordship, that desertion is serious! 

Lord E—And I agree with you. (Pointedly to Ronal.) Any 
man who deserts his duty, deserves his fate, no matter how 
severe that fate may prove. 

Donal.—Blit there might be a difference in opinions as 
to the justness of the duty sir! 

Lord E—The laws of the land and society, are prescribed 
and have stood for ages! 

Ronal.—That does not make them right or just! 

Lord E.—We will not discuss that point my son, you sent 
for me and I am here as you requested! 

Ronal.—I thank you father, I hardly expected you to 
grant me this interview! 

Lord E—Have I ever denied you anything within reason? 

Ronal.—Nothing Sir, except the one dearest wish of my 

heart. 

Valentine—If you will excuse us gentlemen, the Captain 
and I will stroll on and wait for you at the Arbor. 

Lord E.—Nothing of the sort, I wish you to remain! 

Ronal.—By all means, Miss Charteris, we have nothing 
to say, but what the world will soon know! 

Lord E.—Now, my son in what manner can I serve you? 

Ronal.—By being patient with me sir, while I plead for 
my life’s happiness. 

Lord E.—I thought we disposed of that matter yester¬ 
day! 

Ronal.—You do your son, small credit Father, if you 
think an Earle possessed of so little strength of character! 

Lord E.—And do you wish me to understand—after all 
I said to you yesterday, that you insist upon trying to 
weedle from me, my consten to so rash an act? 

Ronal.—What you said yesterday, I believe the result 
of disappointment and wounded pride. I hoped that after 
calm deliberation you would see matters in a different 
light. 

Lord E.—Then you have hoped for more than you will 
receive. My determination of yesterday must stand for all 
time to come! 

Ronal.—(Sighs, A pause.) I am sorry sir. You are my re¬ 
spected Father, the man to whom I owe my very existence 
—and for whom I would gladly lay down my very life. But 
before we part, I wish you to know from me, that no mat¬ 
ter what may happen, my love for you will ever be the 

39 


same. 

Lord E.—What sir! Do you mean, that you are still de¬ 
termined to pursue your mad intrigue, with this low horn 
girl? 

Ronal.—Stop sir! Though you are my father and a peer 
of the realm—I warn you not to go too far! 

Lord E.—And Do you threaten me? 

Ronal.—No, I warn you. I begged you to grant me this 
interview, in the hope of pleading the cause of my happi¬ 
ness—and fully expected your dismissal—that, I am pre¬ 
pared for, (Enter Stephen, and Dora followed by Constance. 
Stephen is dressed as though to conduct Dora on a pourney.) 
But were you ten times an Earl, you do not reserve the 
right to insult that innocent girl! 

Lord E.—We will not continue this mad interview, here 
and for all time, I command you to give up Dora Thorne, 
and return to your home at once! 

Donal_And here and for all time, I refuse! 

Lord E.—Then you cast aside a life of aflluence and 
power! 

Ronal.—I accept the conditions! 

Lord E.—And become a pauper? 

Ronal.—No! Safely holding the Love of Dora Thorne, I 
am the richest man alive! 

Valentine.—(Rushes to Ronal.) Think Ronal! Think what 
you are doing! 

Ronal.—I have considered it all! 

Lord E.—Come away from him Valentine, (Drags her 
away.) He is not fit to touch your hand! (Sees Dora.) (En¬ 
ter Ralph Holt R. 2 . E.) Now sir I have given you your own 
way, thinking you would come to your senses, but I see you 
are determined. Now, hear me, since you will not leave 
Dora Thorne, Dora Thorne shall forsake you! 

Ronal.—She will not do it! 

Lord E_We, shall see! (To Dora.) Dora! (Dora ad¬ 

vances.) 

Ronal.—(Surprised.) Dora? 

Dora_(Hangs head and does not look at Ronal she 

speaks quietly.) Yes, Ronal, your Father is right, it is best 
that I should go! 

Ronal.—Why, Dora, in God’s name what do you mean? 

Valentine.—(Goes quickly to Ronal.) She means that she 
has discovered her mistake, that she no longer loves you! 

Ronal.—That’s a lie! (Picture.) 

Lord E—Stephen Thorne, take your daughter away! 
(Stephen takes Dora, and they start.) 

Ronal.—(Gets before them.) Stop! She shall not go! You 
poor fools would you measure your dastardly tricks, against 
the God given love of two honest hearts. 

Stephen.—I command her to go—she is my daughter! 

Ronal.—And I command her to remain, she is my wife! 

Everybody.—His wife? (Picture.) 

Lord E.—His wife. My God! (Valentine falls in bench, 

40 


Ralph rushes to strike Ronal with Knife, Captain gets be¬ 
fore him and holds him off.) 

CURTAIN. 

SECOND PICTURE.—Ronal and Dora Embrace in cen¬ 
ter Lord E. and Constance at Chair near cottage, Lord E. 
is fainting in Chair, Valentine and Ralph Holt are down R. 
1 st. Captain is laughing at them.) 

Cap—It’s so disappointing to find the train just gone, it 
is really! don’t cher know? 

CURTAIN. 

ACT III. 

Setting—Handsome interior, with bay window opening on 
ground, if possible, if not use Center Door and drape to 
represent Window. Box seat the set R. and L. With 
door upper both sides. Dress stage with Jardiniers 
Palms, Rugs, Easels, pictures,etc. A large Portrait on 
Studio, Easel is left of Center, with Artists Palette and 
Brushes, on table up stage side. Use fire place R. 1 and 
2. if it is obtainable. The picture on easel should have 
a large artists’ Black Throw, fast at the top of easel, so 
that it may be remove from the canvas or replaced at 
will. Use all the properties that pertain to an artists’ 
Studio. 

Time—Two years later. 

Place—Studio, in the villi, of Ronal Thorne, (Artist.) 
On the banks of the Arno, Italy. 

AT RISE. 

Ronal.—(Is discovered in Artist’s Jacket, sitting before 
easel, and Portrait. His left elbow resting on Table at his 
left, his dead resting on his hand, silently admiring his lat¬ 
est work the Portrait.)—Queen Guinervere—my Queen, fin¬ 
ished at last, and accepted by the recognized Art Critics of 
the world—The crowning work of my life, the canvass, that 
will lift me from this terrible state of poverty, to at least 
a life of decency, and Ronal Thorne, the Artist, and cast off 
son of Lord Rupert Earle, may still hold up his head with 
pride.. For tomorrow the beautiful face of Valentine Char- 
tens who inspired the successful Guinervere, will smile 
from the walls of London’s famous Art Galleries—and I am 
made! (Rises, crosses to Fire Place, takes cigarette from 
mantel and lights it.) But, Dora—what will she say, when 
she discovers, whose face it is that inspired the success¬ 
ful endeavor (Goes back and stands before portrait.) Will 
she be sensible, or will she fly into one of her violent, and 
jealous tempers, that have grown so frequent of late! (Re¬ 
leases throw at top of easel it falls over portrait.) How, I 
have guarded you my Guinervere, kept you from the vulgar 
eyes of all save myself and the Critics—But today, will 
bring the congratulations of my dear friends, and through 
them, I shall taste for the first time from the Nectar of the 
famous. But is it right to keeu Dora longer in the dark— 

4t 


Perhaps I should permit her to see the work with no one 
else present, yes, I’ll go now and— 

Valentine _ (Enters from door R. U. E.) Ah, there you are 

Mr. Dreamer! Or Mr. Selfish I should say! (Going down R.) 

Ronal.—(Laughs lightly.) Selfish, Miss Charteris? 

Valentine.—Of course! Is’nt it selfish of you to sit by the 
hour, admiring your late success, and enjoying the ravings 
of the Art Critics, while your dearest friends, and I may 
say family—are just starving for one look at the soon to be 
famous “Queen Guinervere.” 

Ronal_Perhaps, But you shall not hunger much longer 

after luncheon, I shall assemble the company, and for the 
first time disclose, the wonderous Queen Guinervere. 

Valentine.—Not until after funcheon, Oh’ that seems an 
age away. (Goes to him and places hands on his shoulders, 
sweetly smiling in his face.) Ronal please let me see the 
picture now? 

Ronal.—(Laughs.) Why Valentine, you are as impatient 
as a child! 

Valentine.—Well, I’m a woman, and Curiosity is womans 
predominating trait, you know. (Starts to easel as though 
to lift the throw.) May I? 

Ronal.—(Quietly though sternly.) Valentine, I must ask 
you to wait, I do not wish to appear rude to you, But the 
uncovering of that Portrait means as much as life to me. 

Valentine_(Seriously.) Why Ronal, I never dreamed 

that— 

Ronal.—A man could be so foolish Eh? Then listen Val¬ 
entine, I have reasons, why I do not want the Portrait dis¬ 
closed until the time has arrived. The first because that 
canvass represents months of unceasing labor devoted to 
the production of a face painted from memory, I have 
dreamed as I worked of the day it should be finished and 
ready for the world’s acceptance, of refusal, that hour has 
arrived—you would not mar my complete happiness now? 

Valentine.—Why, no Ronal, of course not, but what is 
your other reason? 

Ronal.—Because I have reserved the showing of this Por¬ 
trait, to fully enjoy the congratulations of my only friends, 
who are assembled here today—and because of the charac¬ 
ter of the labor which has produced my crowning effort, 
and which I regard as sacred— I wist the eyes of my darling 
babies, to be the first to look upon the handiwork of their 
proud father. 

Valentine.—Why, Ronal what a poet you are as well as 
Artist. I never gave you credit for so much sentiment. 

Ronal.—Thank you Miss Charteris, But I have not yet 
reached the height of my sentiment, after the Picture is 
disposed of I shall ask a certain person present to suggest 
names for my Darlings! 

Valentine.—Why, hav’nt you named them? 

Ronal.—No, that ceremony too, has been reserved for this 
occasion. 


42 


Valentine—Of course the person you have chosen, is 
Dora, your wife! 

Ronal.—No; 

Valentine.—(With surprise.) No, Why certainly Dora has 
seen the Portrait? 

Ronal.—No, not yet! 

Valentine.—Strange! 

Ronal.—Why, strange Miss Charteris? 

Valentine—Well, I should think a wife the most inter¬ 
ested in her husbard’s success—Now, were I in Dora’s 
place— 

Ronal—(Laughs.) As well compare the earth to the 
moon—Dora has no interest in Art! 

Valentine.—And is that the reason you do not permit her 
to view your work? 

Ronal—Dora, has never been denied anything, save the 
Queen Guinervere! 

Valentine—No? They why the Queen Guinervere? 

Ronal.—(Coldly.) You will pardon me Miss Charteris. 

Valentine_Oh’ certainly! I have no desire to pry into 

your domestic affairs, only— 

Ronal.—(Quickly.) Only what? 

Valentine_(Quickly.) Have you forgotten Ronal, the day 

you exacted from me a solemn promise, to be your life-long 
friend? 

Ronal.—No, Valentine, not have I forgotten how happy 
you made me in giving that promise! 

Valentine.—Then, is it strange that I should be concerned, 
when I see you unhappy! 

Ronal.—(Surprised.) Unhappy? 

Valentine_Yes unhappy—But what could have been ex¬ 

pected from such a rash marriage! 

Ronal.—(Sternly.) Valentine! 

Valentine.—(Quickly.) I repeat, a rash marriage. Are you 
not paying the debt you contracted in direct opposition to 
your father's wishes? 

Ronal._(Coldly.) Miss Charteris you are mistaken. 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) Oh’ I suppose so. It’s very noble 
of you to hide your unhappiness, and it does you credit— 
But you cannot deceive me. 

Ronal. Again I tell you—you are mistaken—It is trus, 

that to a degree I have been sorely disappointed in Dora— 
But I have chosen my lot in life, and hope I am man enough 
to accept my fate. 

Valentine.—(Changes.) Forgive me Ronal! I only spoke 
as a dear friend! 

Ronal—I thank you Miss Charteris, for your kindly in¬ 
terest. My life must be what I make it! (Goes up to door 
R.) 

Valentine._True, but why continue the impossible task 

of moulding Dora Thorne to fit the station to which you 
have advanced her, when another whom you could learn to 

love— 


43 


Ronal.—(At Door.) I love ray wife, all other women are 
to me as shadows! (Exits door.) 

Valentine.—(Pause.) (OuPkiy.) Shadows! (Follows up to 
door.) Then, like a shadow will I haunt your path until I 
achieve ray ends—I have sworn to separate you from this 
Ijw born lodga ke.pers daughter rnd I'll k n ep my oath. 

Cap.—(Speaks outside door li.) All rigat o.a bojauer! 
I’ll fetch Lady Charteris. (Valentine goes down left.) 
(Enter Cap. Door R.) Ah’ Lady Valentine, there you are eh? 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) As you see me Captain, So am I. 

Cap_(Laughs.) So I perceive. We have planned an ex¬ 

cursion on the river and want you to join us, don’t cher 
know ? 

Valentine.—T^nnk you Contain—But who are the party 5 

Cap. Ions ance, Ronal, yovr mother, you, and myself. 

Jus) enough to trim the launch nicely! 

Valentine.—Ic’nt Dora going' 

Cap.—I don’t think so, she’s so busy with the babies, 

Valentine.—Oh* the babies of course, I had quite for¬ 
gotten them. Dora spends most of the time in tue nursery 
I am told! 

Cap_Yes. (Seriously.) Oh’ I say, what’s amiss here any¬ 

way? 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) “Love flies out of the window, 
when poverty enters the door.” 

Cap.—Surely you don’t mean that, Miss Charteris—I 
never dreamed it was that bad. 

Valentine_Why, is that hard to understand? There’s 

poor Lord Ronal, reared in the lap of extravagant luxury, 
suddenly finds himself denied the necessaries of life. Then 
is it strange he should grow tired of his bargain? 

Cap.—(Pause.) (Looks searchingly at her.) Well, you’ll 
excuse me Miss Charteris—Ronal Earle is a gentleman, and 
what’s more he is a man and I fancy it will take more than 
poverty, to drive him to that wrong, it will really, ’pon 
honor, don’t cher know? 

v alentine_Changes.) I’m sure I hope so! 

Cap.—Yes, you look it—You do by Jove! iiut wont you 
join us on the river? 

Valentine.—Reallv Captain you must excuse me—I hav’pt 
seen the babies and I am just dying to know what they are 
like, beside t must nay niv respects to Dora, you know* 

Cap.—A fully sorry, don’t cher know, I am really! (Exits 
door R.) 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) Boat rid’ug on the river, when l 
am playing th^ last card for my life’s happiness. For two 
years I have sought this opportunity. (Looks at picture. 
And if that canvass bears the face I suspect it does—I am 
sure to win. (Looks about stage.) Xo one here, (Approaches 
picture.) Now, to satisfy myself, (She is just about to raise 
throw when Ralph Holt enters through window quietly.) 

Ralph.—(Soto voice.) Lady Valentine! 

44 


Valentine.—Oh’ how you frightened me, why are you here 
—if you are recognized all will be lost! 

Ralph—(Quickly but quietly.) There is no danger. They 
are all at the boat house. I just met Stephen Thorne, search¬ 
ing for the borne of Rcmal Earl, and hastened to tell you. 
I can keep him away if you Wion me iooj 

Valentine—Bring him here by all means, the ignorenr 
fathe" v ith his coarse manners, will aid in bringing about 
the sep.'.rVicn. 

Ralph—Bah’ you Dromispd that should barmen two years 
ago, and I’m waiting yet—Do you hear! Waiting, with this 
awful pain at roy heart, a pain that is slowly killing me. 

Va’cn i • r —Hush in heaven’s name, be patient a little 
longer, ana 1 swear Dora Thorne shall be torn from Ronai 
Earle forever! 

Ralph—(Sneers.) Well, what new plan have you hatched 

now ? 

Valentine.—Listen, my never ceasing presence near Ronai 
has fired Dora’s jealous nature beyond further endurance, 
and when she discovers whose face inspired his master 
work, the climax will be reached. Go bring Stephen Thorne 
here, fate could not have chosen a better time to exhibiT 
the pedigree of this Low Born Lodge keeper’s daughter. 

Ralph—I’ll fetch him in a minit, he’s waiting at the gate 
now. 

Valentine.—Good, bring him here, then get the brougham 
ready and be in waiting subject to my orders. 

Ralph.—Yes mam, anything else? 

Valentine.—No, only remain near where I may find you 
at any time, and if this day does not consumate your hopes 
with Dora Thorne, then I am no prophet. 

Ralph.—Well, the sooner the better, for I have not for¬ 
gotten my oath. An oath that I will keep if you fail me this 
time. 

Valentine.—You need not fear, so sure am I that we will 
win, I would stake my life upon the outcome. Go! (Ralph 
Exits Window.) What a faithful dog he is, how many men 
would live true to a love as he has done, he deserves a better 
fate, ah’ well he shall have his Dora at last, (Pause.) But 
if I should fail, Oh’ I must not think of that,I— 

Ronai.—Just a moment Captain! (Outside Door R.) 

Cap.—(Outside door R.) All right old chap I’ll wait. 

Valentine.—Ronai, and coming here what shall I say— 

Ronai.—(Enters door R.) Ah’ Valentine, I sent Captain 
Dumleigh to ask you to join us in a launch party on the 
river, he tells me that you begged to be excused— 

Valentine.—Yes Ronai, I wished to see Dora and the little 
ones— 

Ronai—Have you seen them? 

Valentine.—Why no, I’ve been waiting for Dora. 

Ronai.—You should have gone to the nursery, Dora Sel¬ 
dom comes to my Studio. 

Valentine.—Thank you Ronai I will go at once. (Dora 

45 


appears at window through curtains.) Oh’ Ronal don’t be 
angry with me for not joining your boating party, I did not 
mean to offend, I only wished to remain here where every 
thing seems so puiet and peacefu. (Dora sighs.) 

Ronal_You misunderstand me Valentine, you are my 

gue3t, and I wish to make your visit as pleasant as possi¬ 
ble, I arranged the boating party for your especial pleasure 
and— 

Dora_(Coming down center.) Neglected to invite your 

wife! 

Ronal.—Dora I— 

Dora_(Laughs lightly.) There Ronal my husband, do 

not take me seriously. I fully understand your duty to our 
guests, and will do all in my power to make this day the 
happiest of your life. 

Ronal.—Then, your first obligation should be to welcome 
Lady Valentine Charteris. 

Dora.—Miss Charteris, believe me you are welcome to 
(pointedly.) My husband’s home. (Hangs head.) (Extends 
hand.) 

Valentine_(Rushes to her and gushes.) Oh’ Dora it's 

so good of you! (Takes Dora’s hand and kisses her cheek.) 

Dora.—Ronal., is pleased to entertain you above all 
others, today I am sure! 

Valentine.—(Nervously.) I am so glad, Ronal and I have 
been good friends so long. 

Dora.—Yes, (Pointedly.) Very dear Friends. (Pause.) 
Ronal I came to tell you—that is to ask you to please ex¬ 
cuse me from luncheon. 

Ronal.—Excuse you from luncheon—You my wife—why, 
Dora surely you don’t mean— 

Dora.—Yes, I do—I mean that I am far from well, and 
wish you to excuse me! 

Ronal.—But, Dora— 

Valentine.—There Ronal, don’t you see that Dora has a 
very good reason, for wishing to be absent. 

Ronal.—Perhaps, but I cannot imagine anything that 
would tend to mar the happiness of this day. 

Dora.—It is because I do not wish to mar the day, that I 
beg of you to excuse me. 

Ronal_As you please, but who will act as hostess? 

Valentine_I shall be only to pleased to render that ser¬ 

vice in the absence of Dora. 

Ronal.—Thank you Valentine, then it is settled. (Dora 
turns away as though to hide her tears.) 

Valentine.—Yes, and now that I am at the head of the 
house, I demand you two to show me those precious twins— 
Dora don’t you see that I am actually on the verge of mad¬ 
ness with impatience. 

Dora.—I shall be pleased to show you the children, Miss 
Charteris, will you come Ronal? (Going to door L. U. E.) 

Ronal_No, thank you, take Valentine, I’ll w r ait here. 

(Dora opens door and waits for Valentine to pass.) (Valen- 

46 


tine goes up to door, and turns to Ronal.) 

Valentine—What a dear sweet little wife you have Ronal, 
and she has not changed (Pointedly,) in the least. (Dora 
exits hastily.) 

Ronal—No, she has changed but little. (Leans on fire 
place.) 

Valentine—(Aside.) Oh’ it is plain to be seen that my 
task will be an easy one today. (Exits laughing quietly.) 

Ronal—I wonder what has come over Dora. Now_per¬ 

haps she fears to trust herself at this her first luncheon— 
(Frowns.) I do wish she would get over her timidity. She 
seems to think society some great evil thing that will de¬ 
vour her. 

Cap—(Outside door knocks.) Oh’ I say old fellow, why 
the duece do you fasten yourself in that paint shop. Let a 
fellow in wont you? 

Ronal.—(Laughs goes up to door R.) Certainly old chap 
come in, the door was open you see? 

Cap.—Oh’ I knew that, zut there seems to be such a bar 
against the holy precinct of this famous paint shop—Don’t 
cher know? 

Ronal—A fallacy, my dear Capeain 1 assure you, 
(Laughs.) There is nothing sacred here! 

Cap.—Oh’ now don’t come that old fellow, why every one 
knows, the vulgar eyes of the common herd are not wel¬ 
come here. 

Ronal.—(Laughs.) A servant’s story, the result of my 
orders relative to the Queen Guinervere. 

Cap.—(Seriously.) Are you sure the story has no other 
foundation ? 

Ronal.—(Seriously.) Why what do you mean? 

Cap.—Forgive me old chap, and don’t think me presum¬ 
ing, but we have been the closest friends for years, in fact, 
ever since we were children and I don’t want to see my dear¬ 
est friend, make another sad mistake. 

Ronal.—Mistake Dumleigh? 

Cap.—Yes, mistake. When you chose Dora Thorne the 
simple Lodge keepers daughter for your life-long partner, 
you did so in the face of your Father’s stringent opposi¬ 
tion_Then I gloried in your manliness, and believed you to 

be man enough to resist any and all temptations, which 
might threaten the peace and happiness of the simple girl, 
whose heart you won. 

Ronal.—Well, in what have I failed? 

Cap.—Nothing, that I know of as yet. 

Ronal.—Then why this lecture? 

Cap._I am not lecturing—I only mean to wake you to the 

danger! 

Ronal—Danger—Why, what danger? 

Cap._The langer that always results from fondling and 

nursing a serpent in the bosom of a peaceful family. 

Ronal—Captain Dumleigh, I have always regarded you 
as my closest friend among men, but now that you have in- 

47 


terested yourself In my family affairs, I will ask you to 

speak plainly and to the point. 

Cap.—And I thank you for the invitation so to do. 
Through your disappointment in Dora Thorne, you are 
gradually killing the love of the dearest and sweetest wife 
a man ever possessed—and if you conduct in this direction, 
you will have yourself to blame for a terrible happening that 
will wreck both your lives. 

Ronal.—You said you would explain, I am still in the 
dark. 

Cap.—Then I’ll turn on a search light, Don’t Crer Know, 
and by so doing show you the exact position, in which you 
stand in the eyes of the world. (Descriptive.) Do you see a 
beautiful little villi on the banks of the picturesque Arno, 
occupied by a trusting wife and mother of two beautiful 
twin girl babies, the idols of their artist father’s heart—A 
father and husband, who in his arrogant, and supposed dis¬ 
appointment because of the short comings of his faithful 
but uneducated wife, gradually retires from the hearts of 
those faithful and loving creatures, into the soothing 
shadows of a masked Studio with positive instructions, to 
his house-hold that his domain is to be considered sacred, 
even by that loving wife? A domain that is forbidden to 
all, save one, very dear and favored friend, who is slowly 
but surely, weaving a net that will encomp. ss that noble 
father and husband in it’s meshes of hopeless dishonor. 

Ronal.—Stop, Captain Dumleigh, what you have said is 
merely conjecture upon your part, I swear I am innocent of 
any wrong to my wife and children. 

Cap.—And I believe you, but how long can you remain 
secure in your cloak of injured honor, when an insidious 
influence, is seeking at every opportunity, to tear that cloak 
from you, and leave you bare to the scorching gaze of an 
injured wife! 

Ronal.—In Heavens name! What do you mean? 

Cap_I mean that your wife Dora, has seen and under¬ 

stands, the cunning with which Valentine Charteris, will 
separate and ruin your future life. 

Ronal.—Valentine Charteris? 

Cap.—Aye, Valentine Charteris—The woman to whom 
your father had hoped to see you married, the woman who 
has never ceased to hope, to some day call you husband. 

Ronal.—All tommy rot. Valentine Charteris is Dora’s 
dearest friend, if Dora w’ould only accept her as such. 

Cap_That is a condition which never will exist. The 

wife’s w’omanly instinct forbids such a thing. 

Ronal.—Then, Dora is a fool! 

Cap.—She is at the same time your wife—and it is your 
duty to guard and protect her. 

Ronal_Well, w r hat would you have me do? 

Cap—First, re-establish good faith with your wife by 
meeting Valentine Charteris only in public, or in the pres¬ 
ence of a third party! 


48 


Ronal.—There is no reason for such preceedure. 

Cap.—No reason? My good man, Can’t you see the terri¬ 
ble suffering imposed upon Dora, each hour this woman 
spends beneath your roof—I tell you old friend, the danger¬ 
ous hour has arrived. Dora is no longer a child. All these 
years she has striven to become what you would have her, 
it is true she has failed. She is a woman now, and the 
mother of two sweet little Babies_ 

Ronal—They are my children as well! 

Cap.—True, but if you are to share in their lives, you 
have got to get down from that lordly pedestal, and take 
your place as a father and a husband! 

Ronal.—Captain Dumleigh, you magnify that which is 
nothing—I have listened to you out of respect—I know my 
intentions to my wife and family are true and just. Rises.) 
We will consider the subject closed. 

Cap.—As you please old chap—I have simply done what 
I considered my duty as a friend, I have really; 

Ronal.—You need give yourself no concern regarding 
Valentine Charteris, whom I look upon as my dearest 
friend, and— 

Cap.—But I tell you— 

Constance_(Outside door R.) (Knocks.) Ronal, Ronal 

are you there? 

Ronal.—Yes, Connie come in. (Aside to Cap.) Hush not 
a word before her! 

Constance.—(Enters door R.) Oh’ here you are? (Sees 
Cap.) And you too, what sort of a conspiracy are you hatch¬ 
ing now? 

Cap.—(Looks at Ronal in a helpless manner is much con¬ 
fused.) Well, I have been trying to get Ronal to-er-that is- 
er— 

Constance.—(Looks from one to the other.) Well? 

Cap._(Greatly relieved.) Oh’ yes, to join us on the river! 

Constance.—Why I thought that party was given up long 
ago! 

Cap._(Very much crestfallen.) Oh’ so it was. But this is 

another party, I’m trying to organize don’t cher know? 

Constance.—Is it, well from now on you will simply ac¬ 
cept invitations, and keep your fingers out of things. I’m 
going to be the organizer, and start business at once. 
(Quickly.) Ronal—Lady Charteris wishes to see your kennel 
of Italian hounds—so go to her at once! 

Ronal—(Laughs.) All right little sister! (Goes to dcor 
R.) But don’t be too severe on the poor Captain! (Laughs.) 

Cap._Oh’ don’t mind me, I’m used to it. (Ronal Exits.) 

Constance—(Gives him black look.) Used to what Captain 
Impudence? 

Cap._Why, used to your tyranny of course! 

Constance—Well, why do you put up with it, you’re not 

a slave! 

Cap—Oh’ yes, I am, really! 

Constance.—Indeed, to whom? 

49 


Cap_Why, you dear girl, don’t cher know? My only ob¬ 

ject in life is to grovel in the dirt at your feet—it is really 
’Pon Honor! 

Constance.—(Haughtily.) You don’t say so? 

Cap_Excuse me, but I did say so—and I can prove it— 

don’t cher know? 

Constance_How pray? 

Cap.—Well, look back at all these years, I’ve been running 
after you like a little poodle dog— 

Constance.—Well ? 

Cap.—And furnishing you with all kinds of amusement 
like a clown! 

Constance.—Correct! (Laughs.) (Captain winces.) 

Cap.—And making millionaires out of poor confectioners 
and bum florists. 

Constance.—(After short pause.) Well, go on tell it all! 

Cap_And deserting every other girl in the empire to 

be near you! 

Constance_(Laughs.) What for? 

Cap.—(Seriously.) I’ll be damned if I know. 

Constance.—(Appears shocked.) Oh’! 

Cap.—(Quickly.) I beg pardon, Miss Constance I— 

Constanct_(Haughtily.) Well, Captain Dumleigh, since 

you find your task co arduous you are at liberty to go to 
the other girls as soon as you like. 

Cap.—Oh’ but I say—Nobody said that— 

Constance_Oh’ so I am nobody, am I? 

Cap_Why of course dear girl, you are some body. 

Constance.—Well, I said it! 

Cap.—Yes, but you don’t mean it— 

Constance_Don’t I. You shall see, I hereby give you no¬ 

tice—that anything I may have said or done in the past, 
that has lead you to hope—is all over now— 

Cap_(Quickly.) You don’t mean— 

Constance.—(Quickly.) I mean it’s all off! 

Cap_(Falls into chair.) Then I’m dismissed? 

Constance.—(Sternly.) No—You’re discharged! 

Cap.—Discharged ? 

Constance, You’re a bum slave! 

Cap_Oh’. 

Constance.—(Does not notice him.) It is true you have 
afforded me more or less amusement—and have been the 
means of passing away mary a weary hour, but— 

Cap_(Rising quickly.) Say, look here, what do you 

mean? 

Constance.—(Does not heed him.) Now that you find your 
job so irksome—I release you, (Going up to door R.) And 
say, go SLAVE, and peace be with you! 

Cap.—(Rushes up to her.) But Constance— 

Constance.—Oh’ Fudge, (Slams the door in his face.) 
(Exits.) 

Cap.—(After short pause.) Missed the train again I have 
by jove! Well, it is’nt far to the next station, so I’ll hike 

50 


and catch it! (Exits.) 

Ralph.—(Enters with Stephen Thorne through window, 
Stephen has bundles of toys, etc.) Here you are Stephen, I 
brought you through the window, because I knew you would 
want to surprise the folks. 

Stephen—Thank ’ee Lad, (Puts down bundles on table 
and sits.) I’ll sit me doon a bit fur I be mighty tired, it’s 
a long ways I coom to see my Dora and her childer. 

Ralph.—You should have written, telling them of your 
coming. 

Stephen.—Nay, lad nay, I want to surprise my lass, for 
I know she’ll be glad to see ’er ole daddy. But what be ye 
doin’ uv ’ere lad? 

Ralph—I am here for the winter with my Lord and 
Lady’s horses! 

Stephen.—Aye, ’orses did ye say? 

Ralph.—Yes, I have been head coachman in the Charteris 
family, ever since I left Earlscourt. 

Stephen.—Weel, weel, ye be mighty lucky. Lud Charteris 
be a fine nobleman. But hae’ ye seen my Dora, be ye 
friends? 

Ralph.—I have never spoken to her, and only seen her at 
a distance. But she’ll be glad to see you Stephen, and l 
think you are just in time— 

Stephen.—(Concerned.) Why, what do ye mean lad? 

Ralph.—It’s not for me to say, only— 

Stephen.—Only what? 

Ralph.—There’s a heap of talk among folks, that the 
Earles are not happy. 

Stephen.—Aye, it’s what I expected—Lud Ronal’s too far 
above my Dora. 

Ralph._Yes, But now that you are safe in the home of 

Dora, I’ll leave you, I’ll send some one to you Stephen. 

Stephen._All reet lad, But ye’ll come to see me again 

wont ye? 

Ralph.—Perhaps! (Exits through window.) 

Stephen—Ralph be a good lad, Aye a good lad as would 
hae’ made my Dora a good ’usband—And so I hae’ coom all 
this ways to find my Dora’s unhappy—But Lud Earle should 
hae’ a care, Stephen Thorne hae’ not forgot ’is promise. 
(Goes down left.) (Cap and Constance talk loudly outside.) 
My, my, what’s amiss now I wonder? 

Constance—(Enters door R. followed by Cap. Both are 
talking wildly.) I tell you I will not have you at my heels 
everv moment in the day. I m sick and tired of you and 
(Sees Stephen.) Why, who is this? 

Stephen._(Advances.) It be me Miss Stephen Thorne! 

Constance.—Stephen Thorne, Dora’s father, oh (Rushes 
to him and takes his hands.) I’m so glad to see you! 

Stephen—(Who is highly pleased.) Thank ye Miss. (Sees 
Captain.) Or mayhap, I be wrong (Looks at Captain.) 

Cap—No, that’s right, Miss Earl, with the emphasis on 
the Miss. (Goes to Stephen and extends hand.) How are 


you Stephen Thorne? 

Stephen_(Shakes his hand violently for quite a time 

pump handle fashion.) I be quite well, I thank ye—but 'ow 
be the milk business. (Laughs.) 

Constance.—(Laughs.) You are all right this time Captain, 
you could’nt miss a milk train you know. 

Cap.—(Disgusted.) Oh’ I see you have a good Memory! 
(To Stephen.) 

Stephen.—Aye, Captain! 

Cap.—Well, forget it! 

Stephen.—What do ye say, sir? 

Cap.—Cut it out! 

Stephen_Cut what out, me Lud? 

Cap_Why, the milk, it makes me sick! 

Stephen.—Well, mayhap ye be billious, take some castor 
oil- 

Cap.—(To Constance who is laughing heartily.) Say, if 
you don't stop him, I’ll be guilty of a terrible crime, I will 
really! 

Constance.—Oh’ be a good boy, (Goes over to Stephen.) 
Now, tell me Stephen when did you arrive? 

Stephen.—On'y this minit, me lady, Ralph Holt fetched 
me from the station. 

Constance.—Ralph Holt? 

Stephen.—Aye, ’im as in coachman for Lud Charteris! 
(Cap. and Constance exchange rapid glance.) 

Constance_But how came you in this room, Ronal’s 

Studio? 

Stephen.—(Looks innocently around.) The Studio? 

Constance_Yes, where Ronal does his painting! 

Stephen.—Oh’ the pitcher works? 

Cap_(Disgusted.) No, the cheese factory—But come on 

you must not be found here, Ronal does not allow it. 

Stephen.—Well, I hae’ no wish to cross ’is Ludship; may¬ 
hap ’ee’ll forgive me as I dinna know, and may hap ye’ll be 
so good as to take me to Dora—the ’ouse be strange to me, 
an’ I might mistake again. * 

Constance.—Certainly Stephen, follow me and I’ll show 
you to the nursery—Dora will surely be there. 

Stephen.—Aye, ’ith the babies, I’ll be bound, (Hurries to 
table and gathers up bundles of toys.) Coom, coom gie’ us 
a ’and on these trinkets. 

Cap.—W'hy, what are they? 

Stephen.—Some thin’ for the little ones, as’ll make their 
little hearts glad. 

Constance_(Laughs.) (Goes to Stephen.) You dear sim¬ 

ple hearted old Grandfather. But you had best leave them 
here for a time, I will send a servant to bring them. 

Stephen.—As ye please Miss, as ye please, but ye’ll let me 
put them in their little fists mysel’ wont ye? 

Constance.—Why of course! 

Stephen_Then I will be ready to folly ye Miss, for I be 

mighty anxious to ’old my Dora to my ’eart. 

52 


Constance.—(Going to door.) Then come with me, (Steph¬ 
en passes out first, Cap. follows up.) (Stops and looks se- 
\etely a: Captain.) Well, where are you goings 

Cap.—Why, with you to the nursery—of course! 

Constance—Well, of course you will do nothing of the 
kind! 

Cap—Why? 

Constance—Well, there are other places, for you to 
stretch the elastic in your neck, without debasing the 
cradle of innocense, with your rubber-necking. (Exits door 
R.) 

Cap—(After short pause.) Well, it’s a good thing, I’m a 
moderate drinker or that Girl w r ould have driven me to the 
Gelerium Tremens long ago—I know what I’ll do, I’ll go out 
and hire a Dago who does not understand English to let 
me answer at him for ten minutes, with a privilege of half 
an hour. (Exit Door R.) 

\ alentine—(Enters from door L. U. E. Hurriedly.) No 
one here, good, Now to prepare the last trick that will con- 
sumate the separation of Ronal Earle and Dora. (Goes to 
table R. of C.) Ah’ Ronal’s private stationary—Just the 
thing. (Sits at table and writes.) I must be careful, the note 
must be so worded that should the scheme fail there will 
be a loop hole of escape for me—(Thinks.) Let me see. Ah' 
yes, I have it. (Writes.) Dear Ronal—I must see you alone, 
will you appoint a time and place where Dora will not be 
likely to interupt? Believe me it is very urgent, as ever 
Valentine. (Folds note and places it in envelope which she 
addresses, then lays it in a prominent place upon the table.) 
There, Dora will be sure to find it—and if she does she will 
read it—I have filled her mind with so much suspicion that 
she would hesitate at nothing now. (Laughs.) The simple 
fool, to fancy she could keep the object of my love from me 
forever. But now to find Ralph Holt, I will leave by the win¬ 
dow, to make sure no one will see me leaving this room. 
(Exits.) 

Dora.—(Enters door L.) Gone, (Looks about stage.) Gone, 
is it possible, I a mmistaken, yet I am sure she came to this 
room to meet him, Ronal my husband. The man to whom 
I have entrusted my life, and happiness, false to me, and 
the vows he pledged. Oh’ it cannot be and yet why does he 
have her here, usurping my place at every turn—Oh’ this 
is terrible, but it shall end. At luncheon she will preside 
over my table, with her treacherous smiles and polished 
manners while I the mother of his children, may slave in 
the nursery that the innocent ones may not disturb the 
noble company. Well she may dethrone the Wife, but let 
her have a care how she supplants the Mother—Yes the 
time has arrived when the poor lodge keeper’s daughter 
must assert her rights. I’ll— 

Stephen.—(Outside Door L.( All right Miss, if my Dora 
be here I’ll find her. 

Dora._(Stands transfixed speaks lowly.) Daddy-Daddv- 

53 


OV Thank Heaven—(Falls into chair.) 

Stephen.—(Enters Door L.) Dora, lass—1 e ye here? 
(Sees her.) 

Dora.—(Trying to appear light hearted.) Yes, Daddy, 
(They embrace and kiss.) Oh’ Daddy I'm so glad, when did 
you come. 

Stephen.—On’y in tli’ hour, my lass, (Holds her off and 
looks keenly at her.) But be’nt ye glad to see me lass— 

Dora_(Quickly.) Oh’ Yes Daddy, I'm glad—so very glad. 

Stephen.—Then what ails ye, lass yer a greiven’ uv some 
thin’ Coom, coom tell’t yer ole’ daddy—I see, it has coom! 
(Drops head) 

Dora.—What has come daddy—What do you mean? 

Stephen_I mean the princely Lud, hez grow’d tired o’ 

ye— 

Dora.—(Quickly.) No, no, Daddy you are mistaken. 

Stephen_Well, lass I ’ope I be—But I’ve heerd things, 

I’ve heerd things. 

Dora.—Heard things Daddy? What things? 

Stephen_I've heerd that the light and sunshine, hez 

gone from the face o’ my Dora—I’ve heerd that happiness 
is a thing 'f the past in the house o’ Ronal Earle—I’ve heerd 
tliet the proud Lord O’ Earlscourt is ashamed o’ his wife— 
and that he pays attention to another— 

Dora_(Rushes to him and places hand over his mouth.) 

Hush Daddy—Hush. You are mistaken—my husband is 
all that is good and kind, you must not say or believe such 
things. 

Stephen.—May hap, yer reet lass, it be not for thy ole’ 
fayther to coom atween yer husband and yersel’ that’s why 
I’ve stayed away all these years, because I know’d I’d be 
unwelcome, but do ye think a fayther hae’ nare th’ heart o’ 
a human bein’. 

Dora.—No, no, daddy—you are all in the w r orld to me, and 
I w’ould die rather than give you pain— 

Stephen.—Then why did ye leave me all these years wi’ 
out the scratch o’ a pen? (Dora starts.) Oh’ I know—be¬ 
cause ye could not trust yersel’ to write, the truth—be¬ 
cause ye feard I’d read atween th’ lines. Coom, coom lass, 
I be yer fayther, tell’t me the truth, and if ye be unhappy 
here, we’ll go back to our little farm, where all is peace and 
quiet. (Takes her in his arms.) 

Dora.—Oh’ daddy, what shall I say, 

Stephen_Say, the truth lass—the truth. 

Ronal_(Outside door R.) I’ll get the sketch and join 

you in a moment Constance. 

Dora.—Hush daddy—for Heavens sake. (They seperate 
Dora goes to fire place.) (Stephen stands wdth hat in hands 
R. of center.) 

Constance.—(Outside door R.) Don’t be long Ronal! 

Ronal.—Only a moment sister! (Enters door R.) (Pause 
sees Stephen and Dora, he is greatly displeased.) Why Dora, 
I’m surprised to see you here, especially after the request 

54 


I made regarding the privacy of this particular room! 

Dora—I am sorry to displease you Ronal, But I can not 
understand why your wifes presence should offend, since 

your guests are made so welcome in the sacred place_But 

don’t you see Daddy? 

Ronal.—Why yes. (advances and offers hand.) How do 
you do Stephen—this is a surprise—when did you arrive? 

Stephen.—A short while ago, yer ludship. An’ I ’ope as 
>e 11 pardon me, but I hae' waited so long for some word 
o’ my lass, as it seemen my ole’ heart ’ud break, if I dinna 
see her—But I’ll go now yer ludship. (Starts .) 

Ronal—Go—Why you have only just arrived. 

Stephen—Aye, that be true—But I hae’ seen my Dora_ 

an’ I don’t reckon as my leavin’ ’ull put you out a bit, as 
I coom wi’ out a invite! 

Ronal—You are mistaken Stephen, you are the Father 
of Dora, my wife, and as such shall be made welcome, so 
long as you elect to stay with us. 

Stephen.—(Brightening.) Thank ye me Lud—Thank ye. 
Did ye hear lass, his ludship bids me welcome! 

Dora—Yes, Yes, (Going to him.) Dear old Daddy, I’m so 
glad. (To Ronal.) I thank you Ronal, you have made me 
very happy. 

Ronal.—I am sure I have no desire to see you otherwise. 
(Sees toys on table.) But what are all these things? 

Stephen.—They are my truch yer ludship—some toys as 
I fetched fur my little grand childer— 

Ronal.—It’s very good of you, but this is hardly a suitable 
place for such trash, I’ll have them removed. 

Stephen.—I’ll save ye th’ trouble me Lud, an’ take ’em 
wi’ us—(Gathers up toys.) Dora ’ull take me to th’ babies, 

an’ I’ll gie’ em to th’ little ’uns ’ith my own ’ands. (Note_ 

These toys should be large toys, suited for children of five 
and six years of age, such as little go-carts, and railroad 
trains.) 

Dora.—(Laughs.) Why Daddy—the children can’t use 
those things, they are only three months old. 

Stephen.—(Scratches his head.) Well, they be mighty 
good stock—Stock as ’ull grow I reckon! 

Ronal.—(Aside.) Stock—The Earles, Stock. (To Stephen.) 
Perhaps, but I prefer those things stored away for the time 
being. 

Dora.—(Shows the rebuff.) Why, Ronal surely you would 
not deny poor old daddy the pleasure, of presenting the 
toys to the children. 

Ronal.—I’m sorry to seem rude, but must insist upon 
having the nursery kept free from all such trash, until the 
children ar older. 

Stephen.—Jes ez ye say me Lud. (Seems heart broken.) 

Dora.—But consider Ronal, Father has brought them a 
great ways—and has counted on the pleasure of watching 
the wide open eyes of our babies when he gave them the 
tops. 


55 


Ronal_(Impatiently.) I’m sorry, your father should have 

used better judgment, no I am determined! 

Dora_(Quietly.) And so am I! 

Ronal.—What? 

Dora_I am determined, that this poor old man’s heart 

shall not be torn with disappointment. A disappointment 
that is cruel and unkind. 

Ronal_Why Dora is it possible that you will interfere 

in the management of my household. 

Dora.—No, in the management of your household you 
may reign supreme, but in the management of my children, 
I shall assert a mothers right. (Rings bell on Table, or 
push bell if possible.) I am sorry to cross you in this matter, 
but we must understand each other sooner or later. (Enter 
servant.) McEarle show Grandfather Thorne to the nursery. 

McEarl.—Yes, my Lady! (Helps Stephen with toys, goes to 
Door L.) This way sir. (They exit.) 

Ronal.—And now perhaps you will explain this sudden 
mood in opposition to my wishes. 

Dora_There is nothing to explain—(Goes to him and 

clings around his neck.) Oh, Ronal, don’t you see how you 
are stabbing me to the heart. 

Ronal.—Oh’ P’shaw, you're nervous, there run to the nurs¬ 
ery, with the children and your father—I must take this 
sketch to Constance. (Goes to door R.) I will expect you 
dressed for the occasion when I disclose the Queen Guiner- 
vere. (Exits.) (Valentine Laughs and disappears from win¬ 
dow'.) 

Dora.—(Sighs and sinks into chair.) He is ashamed of me 
—the man I have worshiped—idolized, is ashamed of his 
wife, oh’ how can I bear this humilation—(Weeps on arms 
on table, directly over letter w'hich Valentine has placed 
there.) Why, what’s this? (Picks it up and looks at ad¬ 
dress.) For Lord Ronal Earle—Lord Ronal Earle. Strange 
Ronal has never received a letter bearing this title since 
we have lived here. (Looks at back.) Why it is unsealed, can 
it be a note from her—I’ll soon know the truth. (Opens 
envelope and takes out note she reads.) Dear Ronal—Will 
you appoint a time and place w’liere Dora will not be likely 
to interupt, signed as ever Valentine. (She staggers as 
though about to fall, then leans on table to recover, the 
letter falls on table.) My God the truth at last. Oh, father 
you have come in time—I see it all now, the portrait— 
(Goes quickly to it and removes throw.) Her face, Valentine 
Charteris, the inspiration of Queen Guinervere—So that 
is the surprise he has in store for me, his wife—Not content 
with the misery he has inflicted upon me, he w'ould as¬ 
semble his fashionable friends, to witness my humilation. 
We shall see—if the schemes of this treacherous fiend will 
succeed from this moment, it shall be woman against worn 
an, in a battle of wit and cunning, I’ll play trick for trick. 
Let me see, Ronal no doubt was expecting to find that note 
when he came in, but did not dare pick it up in my pres- 

56 


ence—(Runs quickly to window looks through curtains.) 
He is on the lawn, coming this way, (Goes down to table 
and replaces note in envelope in exact position from which 
she took it.) He will find it, and no doubt leave an answer. 
(Goes to curtains at window.) Ah’ 

Ronal—(Enters from Door R.) (Goes down R. to Fire 
place and places sketch back from where he took it.) 

(Laughs.) Another endeavor crowned with success_strange 

how success brings success, now that sketch I consider the 
worst I ever did, and yet Constance and Lady Charteris in¬ 
sist, it is the best, ah’ well let them have their way. (Sees 
note.) Hello! what’s this, (Takes it up.) A note addressed 

to me, (Opens and reads.) Well, that’s rather singular_ 

what can Valentine have to say to me, that is of such a 
pressing and private nature. Courtesy demands that I 
grant the interview however. (Takes pen and writes.) My 
Dear Valentine—Dora will be in the nursery where I sent 
her some time ago, meet me here at the sound of the first 
luncheon bell—Signed Ronal. (Folds letter and places 
it in envelops which he addresses.) I’ll call McEarl, and 
have him find Miss Charteris. (Starts to ring bell.) (pause.) 
But perhaps she does not wish a third party, to know of this 
exchange of notes, so I’ll just leave it here in the place of 
the one to me. (Crumples up note and throws it in the fire 
place, then lays note to Valentine upon table.) There is 
little doubt but that she will find it. And now to dress for 
luncheon. (Exits door L. U. E.) 

Dora.—(Rushes down to fire place and takes note out.) 
Now to read his answer. (Takes up note and reads.) Meet 
me here at the sound of the first luncheon bell. So the 
sacred studio has been the convenient spot of their clandes¬ 
tine meetings. (Paces bach and forth.) Fool, fool that I was 
not to suspect—But this interview shall have a witness, 
whose presence will be felt, yes there is no time for delay 
But the children—Can I leave them—No they shall go with 

me_He may have the woman, but he shall not seperate me 

from my babies, they are mine, mine. (Places note back on 
table.) 

Valentine._(Outside door L.) You are right Stephen, they 

are the sweetest Babies in the world. (Enters door followed 
by Stephen.) Ah’ here is Dora, (Goes to her effectionately.) 
Dora Dear, you should be the proudest woman in the land— 
What remarkable children they are, and so opposite in 
every "way, one as dark as night and the other as fair as a 
lily. 

Stephen.—Jes like two little doves mam—that’s what they 
be. 

Dora.—(Goes to Stephen and puts her arms about his 
neck.) Did you kiss them daddy? 

Stephen.—(Crestfallen.) No, lass, the grand lady there, 
reckoned it might be dangerous. 

Dora—(Stifly.) Ah’ she did? 

Valentine._Why yes, Dora—you know, infants should not 

57 


be fondled much. 

Dora_That may be the custom In your set, Miss Charter- 

ls, where the child is given over to the nurse, as a trouble 
and a care—But with we people who live, and feel it is 
different. 

Valentine_Of course there is no harm in carassing the 

little ones. I myself am just dying to take them from the 
cradle and show them all the wonders of this beautiful 
home. 

Dora.—Ronal will not allow them to leave the nursery. 

Valentine.—Oh. Ronal wont object to me having them oc¬ 
casionally, (Catches herself.) You know dear, I am older 
than you, and Ronal has absolute faith in my judgment. 

Dora.—He is quite welcome to entrust you with all other 
matters pertaining to his home—But where my children are 
concerned, no woman’s judgment is superior to a mothers. 

Valentine.—But you are such an impulsive little mother 
you know, why Ronal can hardly conceive that you are 
more than a child, I'm sure. 

Dora.—Then it is time he became aware of my maturity, 
he may be made to realize it all too late! (Pointedly.) 
Come daddy! (Goes to door L.) 

Stephen.—Where be ye goin’ lass? 

Dora.—To the nursery, to introduce my honored father 
to his grandchildren in a humane and proper manner. 
(Thev exit.) 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) Oh, dear, how wounded we are! 
(Sees note.) Ah’, a reply so my plan works like a charm. 
(Reids.. Good, at the livst sound of the luncheon bell, 
I will be here. 

Cap.—(Outside.) And I tell you that unless you give ear 
to my pleadings that I will do something desperate. 

Valentine_(Another match that wont arrange itself.) 

(Laughs and goes down to fire place.) (Enter Cap. followed 
by Constance.) 

Constance.—Well, I think you the most unreasonable 
man I ever knew. 

Cap.—(Exasperated.) Unreasonable, why? Simply because 
I am growing tired of this handicap race—chasing after a 
Filly that has me out classed in all points—and then when 
I ask her to hold up a moment so that I may strike an 
agreement, then I’m unreasonable, don’t cher know. Ah’ 
it makes me tired, it does really! 

Constance.—That’s because you work too hard at the job! 

Cap_What job? 

Constance.—Why the handicap race of course! (Laughs.) 

Cap.—(Disgusted.) Bah’ if I didn’t know you to be 
possessed of ordinary intelligence, I should say you were a— 

Constance.—Beware, “He who calleth his Sister a mule is 
liable to— 

Cap.—Oh’ Boots, now look here, will yon marry me, will 
you be my wife or I will be compelled to kidnap you— 

, Constance.—(Sees Valentine.) Captain Dumleigh, do 

58 


you not see that we are not alone? 

Cap.—We never are, don't cher know. Pardon me Miss 
Charteris, but I am a desperate man, I am really, and I 
call you to witness, that I here in your presence beg, and 
implore Miss Constance Earle to promise to be my wife, 
and if she refuses— 

Valentine—Well, if she refuses— 

Cap.—It will be the three hundred and forty ninth time 
she has been guilty of the same offence. 

Valentine—Well, Miss Constance Earle, what do you 
say? 

Constance_Oh, I think I’ll make it even three hundred 

and fifty times. 

Cap.—No you don’t, ’pon honor, don’t cher know! 

Constance_Yes I will, why proposing is a disease with 

you, you can’t help it. 

Cap.—Oh’ Cant I Really? 

Constance.—No, you cant I really! Now you see here 
Mr. Captain Dumleigh. (Goes to him and slaps hands in his 
face.) If I’m good enough to tolerate you, you have no right 
to presume upon that tolerance and force your silly love 
making in the presence of every Tom Dick and Harry. 
And unless you cut it out, you can just pack up your doll 
rags and go home. 

Cap_(Looks at Valentine.) You heard all she said, 

did you Miss Charteris? 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) Yes! 

Cap_Then pay attention to my reply. Miss Constance 

Earl, you have spurned the honest love I offerd you—you 
have held my bleeding heart up to the vulgar gaze of the 
outside world—you have made of me a fiend incarnate,— 
a blood hunter—Never more will you have occasion to in¬ 
sult the love that is doomed to live for you forever. Ishall 
do as you suggest, but I will not go home, for what is home 
without a wife. No I will take up my work in the Noble 
Army of England, seek a commission in the wilds of Africa, 
where I may court death at the hands of the Man Eating 
Zulu. I throw my lacerated heart at your feet—Lady Valen¬ 
tine I thank you for your patience in this trying ordeal, 
I do really, don’t cher know, and—I guess that'll be about 
all. (Exits quickly door R.) 

Valentine— (Laughs.) Constance I’m sure you treat that 
poor boy very badly. 

Constance—Well, I can’t help it, I hate being made love 
too all the time. 

Valentine.—But you like him do you not? 

Constance—Yes, better than anyone in all the world. 

(Bell sounds.) „ . . 

Valentine—There’s the first bell for luncheon, you had 

better prepare dear. ^ _ . . 

Constance—Yes, (Goes up to door L.) Oh, I do hope we 
shall have something good for I’m as hungry as a post boy. 
(Exits.) 


59 


Valentine.—(Goes up to window.) I wonder if Ralph Holt 
has followed instructions—Ah, yes he is driving up the road 
now. Good! (Goes down center to table.) Dora appears at 
Window.) 

Ronal.—(Enters Door L. dressed for dinner either Tuxede 
or full evening dress.) Ah, Valentine have I kept you wait¬ 
ing? 

Valentine.—No, Ronal, you got my note? 

Ronal.—Yes, did you receive mine? 

Valentine_Yes, and I have to thank you for your kind¬ 

ness, Ronal I fear n:y presence in your home has given rise 
to suspicion, and as I do not w'ant to be the means of mak¬ 
ing trouble for you perhaps our friendship had better 
cease. 

Donal.—Why Valentine, what are you saying, break the 
friendship that has been ours so many years—Oh, that is im¬ 
possible, what can I do without you? 

Valentine.—It will be as hard for me as it is for you, 
dear Ronal, but I can see that you are unhappy and I can’t 
bear to remain near and see you suffer. 

Ronal.—It is true I am most unhappy. 

Valentine_Yes and it is because of that unhappiness 

I have made up my mind to talk with you. 

Ronal.—It will be useless. Life seems to have lost all 
charm for me. My hopes once so bright are all dead now. 
It is true that I have achieved success with my brush, but 
that cannot compensate me for the ashes of my misguided 
love. 

Valentine.—You are too young to say that Ronal. But 
you must be patient, it is true that Dora will never be your 
ideal, but a little courage and all will yet be well. If it 
comfort you to know that my heart bleeds for you, then you 
have that assurance—Dora is a dear sweet little creature 
and deserves your— 

Dora_(Comes from behind curtalnes.) Stop you viper, 

you shall not plead for me. 

Ronal and Valantine.—Dora! 

Dora_(To Ronal.) Yes, Dora—Dora your wronged wife, 

Dora Thorne the Lodge keepers daughter. The mother of 
your children. 

Valentine.—Why w’hat does this mean? 

Dora.—It means that I have out tricked you. Uncovered 
your intrigue, you vile, treacherous snake. 

Ronal.—Dora are you mad? 

Dora.—Not yet—But this false friend will drive me so. 

Ronal_(Valentine starts to go.) Stay Lady Valentine, 

my wife will apologize for this insult. 

Dora.—Not w r hile there is breath left to denounce her as 
a dangerous woman. A woman who breaks homes, a tempt¬ 
ress of honest womens husbands. 

Valentine.—That is false! 

Dora.—It is the truth. I have the proof! 

Valentine_Where? 


60 


Doia.—(Holds up note.) Here, the note you wrote to niv 
husband begging him to meet you here in my absence. 

\ alentine—A harmless request. 

Dora—No, A criminal appointment, to which (To Ronal) 

}° i i agreed by the note (ToValentine) You hold in youi 
hand. 

Ronal—My God! Is it possible that my wife, would stoop 
to a thing so low rs eavedropping. 

Dora—I begged you years ago not to make my task too 
hard. By holding me in camparison with your fine lady 
friends. Then I told you that such a thing would make of 
me a demon—you have only yourself to blame. 

Ronal—Did you read tjie note Lady Valentine left on 
this table for me? 

Dora.—(Defiantly.) I did! 

Ronal—And you have crouched behind those curtain? 
like a thief to listen! 

Dora.—No like an honest wife and mother who seeks the 
proof, before she takes the fatal step. 

Ronal—What proof ? 

Dora—The proof of her treachery, and your faithless¬ 
ness. 

Ronal—I tell you—you are wrong, Lady Charteris is vour 
friend, she asked for this appointment, that she might plead 
your cause. 

Dora—Plead my cause—What cause shovel she have to 
mead fot me. Of what am I guilty except having giv- n 
to yo ’ all that was good in my life—an d obeying your «tuj 
wish, s.'a\ ing at home tiaj after day, w.ule you dined with 
your fashionable friends, or enjoyed the stolen society of 
this cieature. 

Ronal—I command you to be silent. 

Dora.—And I refuse to obey. (Rings Bell.) 

Ronal.—What would you do? 

Dora—You shall see. (Enter McEarl.) Tell Stephen 
Thorne to come here at once. 

McEarl_Yes My Lady. (Exits.) 

Dora.—(Goes to Window.) (Parts Curtains.) (Calls.) 
Captain Dumleigh, Constance, Come here all. 

Valentine_(To Ronal.) Stop her for God’s, sake! 

Ronal.—In Heavens name Dora be sensible—listen to 
reason. 

Dora*—There is no reason in a wronged womans heart. 
(Enter Stephen, at door L. Cap. and Constance from win¬ 
dow they step inside Ralph Holt stands at window.) 
Friends you have been assembled here today to witness the 
crowning success of a proud artist, you shall not be disap¬ 
pointed. You shall see how a proud Lord would humble 
his low born wife—you shall know the result of an unequal 
marriage—You shall see the master-work, and the woman 
who was the inspiration, the woman w r ho had been chosen 
to name my children. (Throws Cover from Portrait.) Look 
there is the Picture and there stands the woman. (Picture.) 

61 


Ronal.--I exercise the right of a husband, and command 
you to silence. 

Dora_You are no longer my husband. I cast you out, 

the low born Dora Thorne refuses to consort with a faith¬ 
less husband. I have done with you forever. (Picture ana 
Curtain.) 

SECOND CURTAIN. 

Ralph Holt is leading Dora out of window', Stephen has 
a baby in each arm. Ronal is in chair w’ith head bowed on 
table, Valentine is standing in L. corner smiling, Cap. and 
Constance are at either side of Ronal and leaning over him. 

ACT. IV. 

Setting_Terrace and lake, in the illuminated Gardens, of 

Earl Manor. 

Time_Five years later. 

A Carpice of Fate. “So shall ye Reap.” Until Death Do 

Us Part. 

AT RISE. 

Old Denny, gardner at Earl Manor. Deaf as a post, is 
asleep on rustic bench R. He snores and whistles until 
Curtain is well up—then falls from bench, and Wakens, he 
is frightened as though suffering from a bad dream. As 
though suddenly attacked by some one he runs about stage 
warding off imaginary blow's. 

Denny.—Here, here, what are you doin’ bad luck to ye. 
(Suddenly realizes is alone.) By Gorry, I thought I was 
done fur thot toime. Murder, Phat a toime I wuz havin’ 
uv it. (Constance has entered and sees the above.) 

Constance_(Laughs.) What’s the matter Dennis? 

Denny.—Ahe? 

Constance_(Gsing to him.) Oh’ dear, the deaf post. 

(Yell in his ear.) What’s the matter? 

Denny_Yes’m the lanterns’ uz all lit! (Takes up broom 

as though to exit.) 

Constance_Lanterns, who said anything about the lan¬ 

terns—(Yells again.) I said w'hat’s the matter? 

Denny.—Yess’m I see’d the Cap’n with Miss Charteris in 
the Rose Arbor, an’ I don’t w r ant to complain Miss, but it’s 
hard, keepin’ things in shape, with the hull country tb ramp¬ 
in’ doun the shrubs as fast as I kin lace ’em up- -the place 
’ull look like a stubble field tomorry—bad luck to this 
party, sez me! 

Constance_Now r see here Mr. Dennis, I don’t w’ant any— 

Denny_(Goes on grumbling.) When a man does the best 

he kin. a shovin’ lawn mowers from mornin’ till night, and 
a weedin’ and a pullin’ up things, a rootle, in the ground 
like a Hog, to git things in shape, thin all at wanst, ivery 
thing is turned upsidedow'n, be a lot o’ sod busters who 
gala wants over me lud’s praperty, like a pack o’ crazy 
hounds, turned loose at the hunt— 

Constance.—For Heavens sake Dennis, will you— 

62 


Denny—An’ thin it’s Denny, here, an’ Denny there_an' 

what’s the matter with the Hedge row—and why don’t you 
straighten up the Rose bushes—an’ (Constance i egius to 
shout for him to cease, as he continues she pases up and 
dawn the stage with her hands to ears as though to shut 
out the sound of his growling.) How did the fountains come 
full o’ paper bags,—an’ will ye ever get rid of the peanut 
husks—an’ (Enter Cap. R. 3 . E.) (He listens amt laughs.) 
(Denny begins to sweep, vigorously, going up to R. 3 . at 
the finish of each sentence, and then returning to renew 
his complaining.) How came all these banana peels ir. 
the fountain, an’ what a terrible state the Jaw ns are in from 
orange peels, an’ I wander Phats a killin’ uv the grass, whin 
it’s all account av thim Country Clodhoppers, a doin’ their 
shindigs, all over the place an’ where are all the carnation 
buds, that were out so nice on’y a day or two beyanr, when 
them igits o’ Sod Busters have pulled ’em ail, to plant 
alonside o’ their Pig Sty’s. An’ how comes it these letters 
are all cut into the young trees, when the sap headed loons 
are standin’ in the moonlight, makin’ mush love, like a 
lot o’ yearlin’ calves, a cutin’ hearts in the bark, hearts 
wid little arrars runnin’ trew ’em, an’ it’s meself as 'u 11 
take keer, to wallop ivery one o’ thim questions, an’ it’s 
meself as ’ull take keer, to wallop ivery one c’ the Sod Bus¬ 
ters wid this broom, as is guilty o’ any uv the things, as 
I’ll have to answer fur, this night. (Sweeps violently to¬ 
ward Cap. who bumps into him suddenly.) I beg yer Par¬ 
ing Cap’s, (Bows and scrapes with hat in hand.) 

Cap.—Oh’ that’s all right Denny—old chap, you can do 
it all over again if you like, for you taught me, a trick that 
I have been searching for these many years— (Exit Denny 
grumbling R. 3 . E.) Cap Looks at Constance and Laughs.) 
Oh’ it’s Denny, that knows the way. And won I profit by 
his example, you bet I will—an’ I’ll begin right now! (Goes 
down stage center.) 

Constance.—(Falls onto bench when Denny exits, as 
though exhausted.) Thank heaven, he’s gone, Oh’ what a 
terrible affliction it must be to be half deaf. 

Cap._Excuse me, but I think it a beautiful blessing! 

Constance.—A blessing? 

Cap._(Imitating Denny.) Yes, me darlin’, an’ how many 

years have I been workin’ at this job, a follyin’ yez around 
like a monkey on an organ, an’ a doin’ all the crazy things, 
that come poppin’ into yer head, three thousan’ an’ ninty 
wan toimes per day. An’ who is it— 

Constance.—Say what’s the matter with you? 

Cap.—(Still imitating Denny.) That’s benn a waiting all 
these years for you to git tired o’ bein’ an old maid,— 
Constance.—For heaven’s sake keep quiet, are you— 
Cap.—An’ take pity on sufferin’ humanity, to the extent 
o’ trying to be some use in this world o’ sin— 

Constance_The man’s a raving maniac, I’ll—(Attempts 

to leave.) 

63 


Cap_Sit right still me darlln’ till I tell ye that I will 

not live another hour, if ye don’t say the word as will make 
me heart return to the healthy chunk o’ meat it were before 
you seized it and put it through a sausage machine. 

Consctance.—(Yells at him.) What’s the matter with >ou! 

Cap.—(Still imitating Denny.) Yes'm an’ tbots the razin. 
I’m thllin’ ye, that I can’t live widout the smile av’ yer dear 
sweet lips. 

Constance_(Rises goes to him and yells.) Shut up! 

Cap.—(Still imitating Denny.) An’ thot I love ye harder 
n a mule kin pull, an’ I’ll marry you, or compel ye to be 
my wife! an’— 

Constance_(Calls.) Help, help! 

Cap.—(Still imitating Denny.) I’ll be yer John Alexander 
Dovie, if ye’ll be my Doctor Mary Walker. 

Constance_If you don't stop this I’ll send in a dior call— 

Cap.—An’ the only thing that will ever restore me hearin’ 
is the little word yes, from your sweet lips. Will ye be my 
wife, will ye marry me? Will ye marry me? Will ye marry 
me? Will ye marry me? Will ye marry me? Will ye marry 
me? Will ye marry me?— 

Constance.—(Falls exhausted on Bench.) Yes, yes, (Gasps 
for breath.) Yes— 

Cap (Drops imitation.) Thank you, it’s very good of you 

it is really, don’t cher know? And now, after these years, 
and I have you at my mercy, I’ll reap the long sought re¬ 
ward. (Kisses her.) 

Constance_(Rises quickly.) Captain Dumleigh, how dare 

you sir? 

Cap_Very easily T assure you, don’t cher know, (Enter 

Denny with broom and leaf basket.) (Captain rushes to him 
and siezes him by the hand which he shakes heartily.) 
Denny you’re a brick, you have given to the world an an¬ 
swer to the confounding problem, “How to win a woman.” 
(Slaps Denny on back.) Denny you are a wonder, heavens 
man, you’re an inventor, here’s a sovereign go and get howl¬ 
ing drunk, lay off a week, then come back, and I’ll give 
you enough more to keep you drunk for a year. (Dances.) 
Oh’ this is great. (Dances.) 

Denny_(Looks at him in wonderment.) Yes, By Gorry, 

I see it ’3 commenced an’ there wont be three blades o’ 
grass left on the place in the morning. 

Constance.—Captain Dumleigh, do you know you are in 
the presence of a servant. 

Cap_Servant, my dear, why, that man is a master mind, 

he’s a king.(To Denny who is still standing in wonderment.) 
That’s all right old chap you may go now. (Motions him off.) 

Denny.—All right sir, but don’t dance any place but there. 
(Signifies spot that the Captain has been dancing upon.) 
(To Constance.) Did you hear that? Even Denny, the 
cranky Gardener, gives me the privilege of going crazy with 
joy! 

Valentine.—(Enters from house.) What’s the matter, I 

64 


heard a call for help a moment ago, what’s the matter? 

Cap.—(Laughs.) Oh' that was Connie, calling for assist¬ 
ance to aid her in a useless endeavor to refuse me again! 

Valentine.—Useless endeavor—(To Constance.) What, at 
last? 

Constance—Yes, Valentine, he caught me off my guard 
and tricked me at last. 

Cap—Nothing of the sort, I won her by strategy— 3 very 
thing’s fair in love and war you know! 

Valentine.—But you should not have tricked her! 

Cap.—(Laughs.) I did'nt, I captured her. 

Constance—No you did’nt, you tortured me. 

Valentine.—Tortured you—impossible! 

Constance.—No, it is’nt possible—he pretended to be in¬ 
sane, and deaf, and went on at such a rate that I just had to 
say yes—but I did’nt mean it. 

Cap—You did’nt mean it? (To Valentine.) Miss Charter- 
is, I appeal to you, would any sane woman, consent to marry 
a maniac, even under the most trying circumstances. 

Valentine_I hardly think so— 

Cap.—There, Miss Mitten-works, do you hear, the jury 
says no, and now Miss Charteris, will you kindly act as 
Judge, and pronounce sentence upon the stubborn subject 
of a female, and command her to keep her word. 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) I fear Constance, that you are fair¬ 
ly caught and won,—so I say, let the engagement stand, 
the Captain is a good boy. So come, (She joins their hands 
together,) Take her my bold soldier boy, take her and may 
peace be with you. (They all laugh.) 

Cap.—Thank you Miss Charteris, and I’ll do as much for 
you some day! 

Valentine_Thank you. 

Cap.—Come on Connie, lets hunt a quiet spot(they go up 
stage to L. U. E.) (To Constance aside.) Say do you want 
to kiss me, I know a good place. 

Constance_(Slaps him.) Oh’ you horrid wretch! (They 

exit.) 

Valentine.—(Sighs.) Do as much for me some day—Oh’ 
if that were only possible. But no, time does not heal the 
wound in Ronal Earl’s heart, for he loves Dora Thorne as 
deeply today, as when he first knew her. Oh’ why can I not 
make him see my great love for him, why will he stand upon 
the cold reserve of friendship—But he must—he shall love 
me sooner or later. (Ralph Holt enters R. U.E. during above 
speech, and gradually works down behind Valentine.) 

Ralph.—Well, he wont. 

Valentine.—(Rises quickly.) You here, when did you 
come? 

Ralph.—Just in time to hear the young Captain make a 
foolish promise, to serve you some day. 

Valentine—Why, a foolish promise? 

Ralph._Because Ronal Earl will never love any one but 

Dora Thorne—Oh, I know, what do you think I ha\e watch- 

65 


ed him all these years for, if not to know, that no woman 
save Dora Thorne, will ever have a thought from him! 

Valentine.—Bah, you are mad! 

Ralph_Perhaps, but I am sane enough to know that such 

love as seals two lives as theirs’ has been, is not of the 
earthly kind. 

Valentine_Well ? 

Ralph.—Well, I’m tired of this hopeless waiting, and I in¬ 
tend to end it! 

Valentine.—End it, how? 

Ralph.—I intend to ask Dora once more to divorce Earl, 
and if she refuses— 

Valentine.—Well, what then? 

Ralph_I’ll keep the oath I made years ago! 

Valentine.—(Frightened.) My God, you mean kill Ronal 
Earl? 

Ralph.—Yes, do you think I am a fool, to longer listen 
to your false words of hope, oh, no! 

Valentine.—You fool, would you ruin everything, now 
that the climax is reached. 

Ralph.—(Laughs bitterly.) Climax, yes, the climax of 
hopeless misery! 

Valentine_Nothing of the kind. Listen, do you know 

what this gathering of friends tonight means? 

Ralph.—Nothing that will be of benefit to me! 

Valentine.—Yes it will, if you will only make the most of 
it! 

Ralph_Well, talk on, I’ll listen. 

Valentine.—That’s sensible. (Looks about to make sure 
no one is listening.) This fete is given in honor of Ronal’s 
home coming. 

Ralph_Well? 

Valentine—Well, through Constance, Lady Earl has pus- 
suaded Dora to let the children be brought here, for the 
night. 

Ralph.—What, and Dora has consented to that trick? 

Valentine.—Yes, Lady Helena plead so hard to be allowed 
to see the children, that Dora gave her consent. 

Ralph.—And does Dora know that her husband will be 
here? 

Valentine.—No, Ronal should arrive most any moment 
now. If we could only contrive in some manner, to make 
him believe his wife false, the rest would be easy. 

Ralph.—Bah, that’s impossible, why Dora Thornes’ life 
is as pure as a breath from heaven. 

Valentine.—Even so, it can be done! 

Ralph.—How? 

Valentine.—Manage In some way, to induce her here, 
take her to some quiet place about the grounds, and ar¬ 
range to be seen in close conversation with her—You were 
her accepted lover, once. When Ronal sees her with you 
under what will appear suspicious circumstanc—his love 
will be quietly killed, do you understand. 

66 


L.rfC.* 


Ralph—(Face lightens.) You’re right, he would accept 
the sight of us together as meaning hometliing criminal, 
and would nt e\ en take the trouble to make a noise about 
it. Good! But how to get Dora to come here, she has sworn 
never to set her toot on the Earl property, except at the time 
of death— 

Valentine.—(Cunningly.) Or sickness! 

Ralph.—Sickness, what do you mean? 

’•'alentine.—Her children are in the Manor now_the child¬ 

ren she is devoted, children for whom she would forego all 
oaths, no matter how sacred. 

Ralph_Go on! 

Valentine—Tell her you were sent by Lady Helena, Ron- 
al s mother to tell her that little Beatrice has met with a 
serious accident, and that she is needed at the Manor at 
once. Get her near the house, and I will arrange to have 
Lord Ronal where he can see you. 

Ralph—But, how will I explain the trick when she dis¬ 
covers the child is all right? 

Valentine—Leave that to me—Say you met a lady in the 
grounds who told you she was Helena,—that lady* will be 
me—I will come forward with the story, that the child who 
was hurt, was a farmers’ child who in the excitement I 
mistook for Beatrice. 

Ralph.—All right, that scheme ought to work—When will 
Earl be here? 

Valentine—A letter to his mother stated that he would 
arrive on the eight thirty express. But that there was to be 
no preparation for his coming he will walk from the station. 
(Distant locomotive whistle is heard off r.) There is the 
train now—go you have no time to lose. 

Ralph.—All right. I’m off, it’s only a short way to the 
Thorne cottage, across lots, I’ll do my part, get Dora Thorne 
here. Be sure you don’t fail with your end of it—For to¬ 
night will either see Dora Thorne my promised wife or a 
widow! (Exits R. U. E.) 

Valentine_At last, at last, I see a way to clear my path, 

to complete happiness for once Ronal Earl’s love for his 
low born wife is crushed from his heart, I will find the 
way to own him body and soul. (Exits house.) 

Cap._(Enters from L. U. E. Strolling slowly.) (He is eat¬ 

ing peanuts, and throws husks about the lawn.) (He is fol¬ 
lowed closely by Denny who has broom and scoop. Den¬ 
ny is busy picking up all the husks as fast as Cap. throws 
them down, but is unseen by the Captain.) (Cap. goes slowly 
to the house and looks it all over, all the time eating the 
peanuts and throwing the husks over his shoulder. Denny, 
follows him and picks them up grumbling, this scene must 
be adlibitum, as it is utterly impossible to furnish lines, for 
it. The Stage Director will after carefully conceiving the 
situation fall readily into the atmosphere, and will create 
business. At the finish of the scene, Cap. should seat him¬ 
self comfortably upon the bench.) 

67 


Denny—Thank the Lord he’s goln’ to locate for a while, 
any way. (Picks up shells. The Cap. throws two or three 
in the same spot, and Denny places his scoop so that he can 
catch them and then sits down and fans himself.) 

Cap.—Well, this is comfort. Now that my race with love 
has been won, I can sit quietly down, a respectable married 
man, and enjoy life. (Lays back on bench and throws husks 
in an other direction, Denny immediately gets busy chang¬ 
ing his scoop to the new spot.) 

Constance—(Enters from L. U. E.) (Sees Captain.) Oh’ 
there you are? 

Cap.—(Does not move.) Yes, here I are! 

Constance_Well, what do you mean by leaving me 

alone, don’t you suppose I want to be amused? 

Cap.—(Does not move.) Yes, I suppose so! 

Constance.—Well, then why don't you pay some atten¬ 
tion to me? 

Cap.—Attention, great scott, hav’nt I waited on you 
hands and feet for the past ten years? (Denny nods as 
though going to sleep.) 

Constance_Well ? 

Cap.—Well, my dear girl did you ever see a man run after 
a street car, after he’d caught it? 

Constance_So I’m a street car am I— 

Cap.—(Quickly,) (Rises.) No, no, I don’t mean that, I— 

Constance_Oh, you brute, (As though to cry.) 

Cap.—Now Connie, listen— 

Constance_You miserable beast of a man, I’ll never look 

at you again, and you may consider our engagement at an 
end. (Exits quickly in house.) 

Cap.—(Pause.) Well, can you beat that. Engaged, mar¬ 
ried, settled down, and divorced while you wait—(Sees 
Denny.) Peaceful ignorance, sleep on—dear fat head. (Kicks 
stool upon which Denny is sitting, Denny falls to ground.) 

Denny.—(Rises quickly.) Here, here, what’s this, what’s 
this? 

Cap.—(Goes to him and shouts.) Did you know I was dis¬ 
charged. 

Denny.—(Picking up broom and scoop.) Yes it’s always 
the big fish as gets away— 

Cap.—(Goes up stage and looks off L.) Hello, by gorry 
there goes a banana peel, into the the fountain. I’ll have to 
git a divin’ suit, now, (Calls.) Here, here, ye clod hoppin’ 
sod buster, lave aff that fountain.—(Exits 1.) (Cheers are 
heard outside L.) 

Voices_Welcome home yer ludship— 

Second Voices—Aye, aye—three cheers fur ’is ludship. 
Long live Ronal Earl. 

Voices.—(Cheering.) Hurray, hurray, hurray! 

Ronal.—(Off L.) I thank you my good people, and in¬ 
vite you to make the most of a good time tonight—(Enter 
Valentine from house.) 

Voices.—Aye, that we will yer Ludship, that we will. 

68 


\ alentine—Ronal at last. I’ll step aside and meet him as 
though by accident. (Goes up stage R.) 

Ronal —(Enters L. 3. E.) Home again—(Sighs.) Ah, but 
what a -iome coming. No father’s welcome waiting for me. 
separated from every tie on earth, wife, children, all. Ah’ 
well it is the irony of fate, and since I am here, the world 
must not know my suffering. 

Valentine.—(Comes down.) Why Ronal, (Extends both 
hands.) Welcome home, I’m so glad to see you' 

Ronal—(Takes her hands.) Thank you Valentine, and you 
are the first to greet me. 

Valentine.—Well, is that strange? 

Ronal—No, not strange, though it does seem rather un¬ 
usual, for a long lost son to return after years of absence, 
to be met by one outside of his family. 

Valentine—Hardly an outsider Ronal, you know I have 
always been considered as one of your family. 

Ronal .—\ es, but tell me of mother, is she well? 

Valentine—Quite, I believe. She is now with your child¬ 
ren— 

Ronal.—My children, (Surprised.) What do you say? 

Valentine—Yes your children, Lady Helena had them 
brought here, thinking you would be glad to see them. 

Ronal_But Dora.! 

Valentine.—Oh, she gave her consent, after much pursua- 
sion— 


Ronal.—No doubt mother thought she was doing me a 
kindness, but I am sorry. 

Valentine.—Why, surely you wish to see your little ones. 

Ronal—Yes, God knows how I have longed to see them, 
but I had rather suffer to the end of my life, than beg the 
boon from one who does not wish to grant it. (Enter Con¬ 
stance from House.) 

Valentine.—Well, what else is to be expected of one, so 
lowly bred? 

Constance_(Coming down.) You have no right to say 

that Lady Charteris! 

Ronal.—Constance. 

* Constance.—(Going to him takes hands.) Yes, Ronal—I 
am so glad to see you. And we have looked forward with 
so much pleasure to your home coming, you must not dispel 
our pleasure, now being surely and morose. 

Ronal.—(Kisses her.’ I am sure I have no desire to do so. 

Constance.—No but if you allow your mind to be poisoned 
by the cruel words of others. (Looks at Valentine.) Your 
visit will bring nothing but misery to all. 

Valentine.—I am sure Miss Constance, that I would not 
be the cause of any ones unhappiness, especially Ronal’s. 

Constance.—Then you are very short sighted I must say. 

Valentine.—Short sighted? 

Constance.—Yes, short sighted, you most of all know the 
cause of this terrible sorrow in our family, since it was 
you who brought it about. 


69 


Valentine_Me? 

Constance.—Yes you—Ronal, you shall not be deceived— 
We pursuaded Dora to allow the children to be brought here 
as a surprise for your home coming, in the hope that per- 
ups, the love tor them would awaken in your ruined life, 
the desire to remain at home. 

Ronal_That can never be. 

Constance_Why should’nt it be? Are you going to be a 

ttuuaeie. on t«e race o t the earth, for all time, simply be¬ 
cause you have been disappointed in a love affair—and all 
over nothing— 

Ronal.—Nothing, you don’t know what you say. 

Constance—Oh, don’t I. Well, you just go on thinking 
that.—But some day I’ll open a fund of knowledge, that will 

surprise ;*ou. 

Ronal—(Laughs.) Yes, little sister, you are a creature of 

surprises. 

Valentine.—Well, if you are in possession of any knowl¬ 
edge that would be of benefit to your brother, you siiould 
impart that knowledge at once. 

Constance_Perhaps, but rest assured that when the prop¬ 

er time arrives. I'll be there with the goods. (Takes Ronal s 
arm.) Come Konal, mother is waiting to receive you. 

Ronal—(Going to house with her.) You will pardon me 
Valentine? 

Valentine.—Certainly, but you will return before long, 
you will be expected to lead the dance you know! 

Ronal—I will join you after I have seen mother. (Exits 
with Constance.) 

Valentine.—What does she know? Does she suspect— 
Ah, well, if my plan tonight succeeds, I can well afford to 
laugh at her, for all the years to come. (Enter Stephen 
Thorne from L. U. E.) 

Stephen.—I beg yer pawden me lady, but I ’eer’d as ’ow 
Lord Ronal wuz hum, be that true? 

Valentine.—Yes, he just arrived, he is with his mother 
now. 

Staephen.—Then, I’ll wait! (Goes to bench.) 

Valentine_Wait, what for? 

Stephen.—That be ’atween Lord Ronal an mesel’ 

Valentine.—Well, you should know, that this evening is 
given over to pleasure. I fear Lord Earl will not see you! 

Stephen.—Then Lord Earl ’ull be the loser. 

Valentine.—The loser, what do you mean? 

Stephen_I hae’ a-ready tolt ye that be atween Lord Earl 

an’ mesel’ 

Valentine.—(Aside.) I must know, what his business is. 
(Aloud.) Well, wait. I’ll call Lord Earl. (Starts to house.) 
(Enter Ronal from house.) Ah' Ronal you have come in 
time, here is a man to see you. 

Ronal.—(Going down.) Well, my good man what is it? 
Stephen.—Welcome home yer ludship! 

Ronal.—(Surprised.) Why, Stephen Thorne! 

70 


Stephen—Aye, sir, Stephen Thorne. I hae’ waited long 
fur this day, an’ I want to tell’t ye sir, how glad I be to know 
ye are at least wi’ them as loves ye dearly. 

Ronal—I thank you for your kind words, but must sav I 
am surprised. 

Stephen—\\ hy should ye be lad—Be’ne I the man as hez 
dandled ve on ’is knee since ye were so high—(Illustrates 
baby s height.) Dye’ think yer baby prattlin’ nare won 
inter me art, Oh’ I know what yer thinkin’ it’s about Dora, 
an’ I don’t blame ye sir, it was a sad mistake. 

Ronal—(Coldly.) If you have come here to rehearse our 

domestic affairs your time is illy chosen_and you had 

better go. 

Stephen.—(Seems heart broken.) Mayhap yer reet lad_ 

mayhap yer reet, but I hae’ made oop my mind to hae’ my 
say, Beggin’ yer pawdon sir. 

Ronal.—(Sighs.) (Sits on bench.) Well speak on, I’ll lis¬ 
ten. 

Valentine—Surely Ronal you will not_ 

Stephen—(Sternly.) Now, ye ’old ’ard mam, the iron will 
o’ the Earl is about ti gie’ way, an’ don’t ye spile it. 

Valentine—What do yeoi dare to speak thus to me? 

Stephen.—Aye, to you most of all the world—to you, who 
is the reason, as I coom here th’ neet. 

Ronal.—Hust, Stephen Thorne, I will not permit you to 
speak so to this ledy. 

Stephen.—An’ I tell’t ye, there be'nt men enough in all 
England to stoop me I hae’ coom to do an’ act o* justice, 
not to quarrel, me lud. But if ye think, I’ll stand any more 
insults from that slanderous woman,—ye be mistaken! 

Ronal.—Slanderous, man, what do you mean. 

Stephen.—I mena that she be the cause o’ yer seperatin’ 
o’ my Dora, I mean that she be a viper, and be not fit to 
breathe the same air ’ith honest people. 

Valentine.—Call the servants and have this ruffian eject¬ 
ed from the gronnds. 

Stephen_Aye, try it. There be not one among ’em as 

don’t know, Stephen Thorne, an’ thee as well. 

Ronal_Leave us please Miss Charteris. 

Valentine_As you please Ronal I’ll go, (Going to house.) 

(Aside.) But not very far. 

Ronal.—Stephen Thorne, you have used harsh language 
tonight, but I cannot say I blame you—A moment since 
you stated that you were here to do an act of justice, will 
you please explain? 

Stephen_Aye, lad, that I will gladly, (Pause.)((With mo¬ 

tion.) I know the reason as keeps ye away from home lad, 
it’s because o’ my Dora, livin’ ’ith me, at the little cottage 
yer noble father gie’ to me at his death—that wuz kind o* 
’im to gie’ me a place to end me days in—But ’ee did’nt 
know then as what would happen—’ee did’nt know that you 
would ever desert yer own home a-cause o’ that little cot¬ 
tage an’ the folks as live in it! 

7i 


Ronal_Well? 

Stephen_Well, I be told that Lady Earl, yer dear sweet 

mother is pinin’ away, for want o’ you her boy, yer duty be 
o T .h:ii mother lad, an’ I coom to say, if ye’ll stay to hum, 
that me an’ Dora’ll go away—some where, an’ ye wont be 
troubled ’ith us at all— 

Ronal_Stop! What have I done to lead you to believe 

me capable of stooping to a thing so low? 

Stephen.—Nothin’ yer Ludship—But yer heart be mighty 
sore ’acauce o’ my Dora, an’ since ye can-na live an’ bide 
each other, it be better, ye don’t meet. 

Ronal_Now here me, Stephen Thorne. As 1 once loved 

your daughter, so do I love her now, far too much to drive 
her from the peaceful home she has chosen with you. 

Valentine.—(Aside.) Tonight that love dies forever! 

Stephen—Then, why don't ’ee listen to reason? 

Ronal.—(Surprised.) Reason? 

Stephen.—Aye, lad, reason! The reason as is poundin’ 
in yer 'art. The reason o’ a good man, as is misguided by 
the lies o’ a viper— 

Ronal.—(Spirited.) Speak plainly and to the point Steph¬ 
en Thorne. 

Stephen.—Aye, that I will lad—Ye know that woman be at 
the bottom o’ all yer throuble—Ye know that from the first 
she hae’ been yer evil star-an’ most uv all ye ought to know 
as it wuz Valentine Charteris, as druve my Dora from ye. 

Ronal.—(Short pause.) I do know Stephen! 

Stephen_Then, why dye' let her keep on a pizinen yer 

mind again’ that what’s right, a tellin’ of lies about my 
Dora and all sich—why don’t ye send her away? 

Ronal.—Because of the love my aged mother has for her— 
Because to take her from that mother, would perhaps— 

Stephen.—Say no more lad—I know now the reason—an’ 
it be not fur me to interfere in yer family affairs. But I 
want ye to promise that ye’ll not think ill of our Dora, ’ith 
out gieing the lass a chance to defen herself. 

Ronal.—Dora and I separated, because of her cruel, sus¬ 
picious jealousy. I can forgive her. 

Stephen.—(Bows head.) As ye please yer Ludship—But ye 
wont go away agin’. 

Ronal_I don’t know! 

Stephen.—I tell’t ye—ye must’nt do it lad. Do ye want 
yer mother’s death on yer head? 

Ronal.—Mother’s death! 

Stephen.—Ker death; the doctors say as your absence an’ 
the worry is slowly killin’ uv her— 

Ronal_Great heavens, is this true. 

Stephen.—It’s as sure as fate lad! 

Ronal.—My God! Is there no end to the misery caused by 
my disobedience to my father? 

Stephen.—Aye, lad the end be now, if ye will on’y grasp 
it. Yer father forgave ye on ’is death ben—an’ now all 
Earlscourt be thine. Soon yer childen will need a father’s 

72 


care, a-ready they ask for papa—they need ye, they ought 

y ^~ yer . ™ other needs ye_so stay at home lad' 
(Kneels.) Stay at home! 

— Stepher } Th( J rne > (Raises him.) You have pointed 
exits ) 7 ’ and 1 W1 take the Path you show me * ( Valen tine 

Stephen—Ye will, an’ ye’ll stay at home lad? 

Ronal—Yes while mother lives any way. 

Stephen.—The Lord be praised, for them words lad. Now 
i reel that mayhap I’ve done some good, an’ I’ll be goin’. 

Ronal,—No, remain for the supper. 

Stephen.—Lud luv ye lad, ye hae’ gie’ me food 'nuff to 
last me for a fortnight. 

Ronal—As you please, but I must see my mother now. 
(Goes to door in house.) 

1 ^ ep ^ en ‘— ye ’ n tell’t ’er yer hum to stay, wont ye 

Ronal—Yes, you have my promise for that! (Exits.) 

Stephen—An’ ’ee’s an Earl, ’ee’ll keep ’is word. (Goes 
down R. i. E.) Yes, there seems to be some hope, the lad 
knows as that Charteris woman, be bad, an’ now mayhap, 
I will live to see ’im an’ my Dora jined togethed agin’ afore 
I die. (Exits R. l. E.) 

Valentine.—(Laughs.) Going to remain at home eh’ 
Thank you Stephen Thorne, for your kind offices, in the 
matter. You little thought you were playing so nicely into 
my hand. (Goes up looks off L.) Ah’ Ralph Holt, and alone, 
what if Dora has refused to come_ 

Ralph.—(Enters quickly.) Are we alone? Did he arrive? 

Valentine.—Yes, but speak low—where is Dora? 

Ralph—I left her to get a wrap, she is no doubt follow¬ 
ing me closely. (Enter Ronal from Door in house he listens.) 

Valentine.—Good, you secret yourself, in that clump of 
bushes, and when Dora comes—(As though thinking.) 

Ronal.—(Aside.) Dora coming here, what trick is this? 

Ralph.—Yes, well? 

Valentine.—You intercept her, upon the pretext of deep 
interest in her trouble, manage to keep her from the house, 
until I get Ronal upon the scene, I’ll go at once and engage 
him for a walk through the grounds. (Ronal quietly steps 
to one side.) (Valentine goes to door in house.) When you 
hear the door slam seize Dora in your arms and make the 
matter as compromising as possible. Do you understand? 

Ralph.—Yes I understand—you do your part as well as 
I do mine, and there wont be no complaint from me. (Looks 
off L.) Look out she’s coming. (Exit Valentine in house.) 
(Ralph goes up R.) 

Ronal.—(Aside) (Appears.) The friends. Oh, heaven I 
thank thee for this discovery! 

Dora.—Strange that Ralph should have left me to come 
all this way alone, but I must see my darling little Beatrice. 

I must not linger a moment. (Starts to door in house.) 
(Ralph comes down.) 


73 


Ralph.,^Dora! 

Dora_-Oh, how you frightened me! 

Ralph_Yes, I suppose so, I’m always frightening you. 

Where are you going? 

Dora_To see my child, why do yqu stop me? 

Ralph_Because there’s no hurry, besides would you en¬ 

ter that house, after the solemn oath you took never to 
cross that threshold. 

Dora_No oath is binding, when a child needs it’s moth¬ 

er’s care. 

Ralph.—But I tell you the accident was exagerated, little 
Beatrice is all right. 

Dora.—But you yourself brought the message. 

Ralph.—I know I did—But I have learned since that the 
child is all right. (Aside.) (Why the Devil don't she come.) 

Dora.—Ralph Holt, you are keeping something from me, 
let me pass! 

Ralph.—(Gets before her.) Oh’ I see, you want to be 
dramatic before your lordly husband eh, 

Dora.—My husband? 

Ralph.—Yes, your husband, who arrived a short time 
ago. (Ronal opens door and quickly closes it from the out¬ 
side causing it to slam.) 

Dora.—My husband Ronal here, oh’ (Turns away left.) 

Ralph.—(Aside.) That was the signal—(Ronal quickly 
conseals himself again.) Yes your husband, the husband 
who cast you off, the husband who has invented this low 
trick to take your children from you. 

Dora.—My children what do you mean? 

Ralph_(Suddenly seizes Dora in tight embrace.) Oh, 

Dora, my Dora, how glad I am that you have at last come 
to your senses, and know that this fine lordling is not fit 
to touch your hand. 

Dora.—Let me go! (She struggles.) 

Valentine.—(Enters from door.) (Quickly.) Where could 
Ronal have gone? (Sees Dora and Ralph.) I can at least 
witness the scene. 

Dora.—You brute release me this moment! 

Ralph_Not until I have placed upon your sweet lips the 

kiss I have treasured all these years. (Forces her face to 
his.) 

Valentine.—(Going to center.) Oh, I beg your pardon, 
my country friends, but don’t let me spoil your love making. 
(Ralph releases Dora. Ronal goes quietly up stage to back 
of center.) Why, is it possible Lady Earl in the embrace of 
her former lover, and at the very threshold of her husband’s 
door, oh, shame! 

Dora.—You are mistaken Miss Charteris, this villian seiz¬ 
ed me, I think he must be mad— 

Valentine_A likely story—he seems sane enough, save 

for his mad love for you, perhaps. 

Dora.—I warn you Valentine Charteris take care. You 
have been the cause of all my suffering in the past, be care- 

74 


ful how you torture me now. 

Valentine.—Torture you?(Laughs.) Oh’ dear what wound- 
eu virtue. Believe me Lady Earl, you should be more dis¬ 
creet in your love making. 

Dora.—My God! I see it all now, Ronal is here, it is a 
trick, but he shall know the truth. 

Valentine—Of course he shall, for I will tell him! I will 
tell him how I accidently surprised his wife in a passionate 
embrace with her lover of years ago. 

Dora—Now you listen to me. All these years I have suf¬ 
fered in silence believing my uncouth manners, and jealous 
disposition, were better far removed from my husband. I 
would have gone on in silence to the grave, firm in the be¬ 
lief that my husband trusted to honor, Now you would at¬ 
tack that, but your plans will fail. 

Valentine_Plans ? 

Doia. Yes, your plans to crush the little love and respect, 
my husband may still have for me. 

Ralp 1 Y-Y our husband never loved you—you were a play¬ 
thing, l a moment to be cast aside, when he grew tired of 
you. \ 

Dor /—You lie—Ronal Earl would have endured me to 
the ei A of his life, had it not been for your trickery, and my 
violent temper. I drove him from me, and deserve my fate, 
but I shall ever love him, even though he casts me from him 
like a poisoned thing, he shall know the truth about this 
trick. 

Valentine.—Trick ? 

Dora.—Yes, I repeat a trick—A trick even more cowardly 
than the hundreds you have perpertrated in the past. 

Valentine.—Bah’ you are a fool! 

Dora—Yes, that I did not assert the right given me bj r 
the law, and drive you from the home you wrecked. 

Valentine.—Absurd! Ronal would not have believed you! 

Dora.—Perhaps not, it is different now—He will not need 
to accept my word, but the word of one who has watched 
your every move since that fatal day in Italy. (Ralph and 
Valentine both start.) 

Valentine_Who? 

Dora.—His sister, Lady Constance, my friend. 

Valentine—(Laughs.) Why, what can Lady Constance 
have to tell? 

Dora.—Of your compact with this man, to separate Ronal 
Earl from his legal wife. (Enter Coustance L. U. E. followed 
by Cap.) 

Ralph.—That’s a lie! 

Constance.—It’s the truth! 

Valentine.—Constance! 

Constance—(To Ralph.) I think my man, you had better 
go! 

Ralph.—All right I’ll go—But tell your fine brother, if 
he wants to know the truth about his wife, to call on me, 
and I’ll tell him that she— 


75 


Ronal.(Steps to center and knocks Ralph down.) You 
dog! 

Everybody.—Ronal! 

Ronal.—Yes, Ronal, Lord Ronal Earl. (To Dora.) Lady 
Earl, you may dismiss any guest, not desirable. (Ralph gets 
up and quickly draws knike.) 

Constance—(To Valentine.) I think that’s you! 

Cap.—Yes, play checkers, it’s your move. 

Ralph.—(Aside.) Lost, lost to me forever. But I’ll keep 
my oath. (Rushes to stab Ronal in back.) Damn you! 

Cap.—(Catches his arm and takes knife from his hand.) 
You have an awful time, trying to catch this train, you do 
really. 

Ralph.—I’ll get even with you all. (Exits quickly L.) 

Valentine.—I congratulate you my Lord and Lady Earl. 
(Exits house.) 

Constance.—Hur’y tcik ; 

Ronal—(Embrace Dora in center.) Until Death Do Us 


Part. 


FINUS. 



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